Replacement of corn grain by brown rice grain in dairy cow rations: Nutritional and productive effects

• New uses of rice in animal feed.
• Alternative feed for dairy cows.
• Feed efficiency with rice use.

The use of brown rice grain as corn grain replacer in dairy cow diets was investigated. The following treatments were evaluated: zero, 33, 63, and 100%. The experimental diets were iso in protein, energy and fiber levels. Eight multiparus Jersey cows were used. A replicated Latin square experimental design was applied. The inclusion of brown rice had no effect (P > 0.05) on dry mater intake and their constituents, apparent digestibility, production and milk composition, feed efficiency and blood chemistry profile. Therefore, the brown rice grain can be used replacing corn grains alternative feedstuff in dairy cow diets.