How to improve rumen microflora - the key to a healthy herd and higher cow productivity
Why is the rumen microflora so important?
A healthy rumen is the foundation of milk production, and its microflora determines how effectively a cow uses feed, how stable its pH is and whether it is resistant to problems such as acidosis or drops in feed intake. Recent research shows that the microbiota, i.e. the composition of rumen microorganisms, is directly related to the production result - both through the efficiency of energy use and the production of microbial protein. Research shows clearly: herds with more stable microflora have higher intake, better fermentation and higher milk yield.
Importantly, the microflora reacts instantly to nutritional errors. Excess starch, too little fiber or irregular feeding immediately change the proportions of bacteria, which leads to lower pH, lower fat in milk and a greater risk of SARA, i.e. subacute acidosis. Therefore, in 2025 and 2026, more and more emphasis is placed on not only composing TMR well, but also performing it accurately - because any inaccuracy translates into the quality of the microbiota.
Microbiota and performance - what do the latest research show?
The latest research emphasizes that the rumen microflora is responsible for:
- stabilizing fermentation and production of volatile fatty acids,
- reducing the risk of SARA and rumen acidification,
- improving feed conversion and energy efficiency of feed,
- reducing methane production, thanks to a better balance of bacteria,
- better reproductive results and more stable lactation.
Importantly, scientists indicate specific groups of bacteria associated with higher milk production. When their number decreases, efficiency also decreases. This is strong proof that microbiota optimization is not a fad, but a real way to improve the profitability of milk production.
Fiber and feed structure - the first step to a healthy rumen
According to research by Pereira M.C.S. from 2023 and the works of Grant R.J., the most predictable way to improve the rumen microflora is to maintain an appropriate amount of peNDF, i.e. physically effective fiber. This means that not only the amount of fiber is important, but also the length of the particles and their structure.
The cow must "work" with the feed - chew, grind, masticate, produce saliva. It is saliva that acts as a natural pH-stabilizing buffer. Too fragmented feed, excess corn silage in the absence of fibrous feed, or too rapid changes in TMR limit rumination and dysregulate the microbiota, leading to decreases in milk fat and pH fluctuations.
Research by Wang S.H. from 2024 show that different types of fiber and feed forums create very different microbiological profiles - and the more favorable ones are always associated with higher milk yield.
Check out the DEMO!Probiotics, yeast and DFM - support that works
In recent years, great attention has been paid to microbiological additives that help stabilize the rumen. According to research:
- Megasphaera elsdenii - supports the removal of lactic acid and reduces the risk of SARA.
- Yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae - increases feed intake and utilization.
- DFM (probiotic bacteria mixtures) - influences the microbiota profile and stabilizes the environment rumen.
These solutions will not fix a poorly formulated dose, but they provide great support for the rumen if TMR is made according to the recipe.
Regularity and accuracy of nutrition - the foundation of healthy microflora
According to all the mentioned studies, the biggest mistake that destroys the stability of the rumen is the lack of repeatability of the dose: changing proportions of ingredients, different feeding times, errors in loading or mixing order.
Even the best recipe will not work if the cow receives a different TMR every day. This is why, in the context of microbiota, the digitization of nutrition and tools for controlling dose are so important - because the microflora reacts immediately to errors that may be invisible to the naked eye.
How does Smart Feed help stabilize the rumen microflora?
Smart Feed does not interfere directly with the microbiota, but affects the most important factor in its stabilization: dose repeatability and precision.
The application shows whether the actual amount of loaded components differs from the recipe, at what stage deviations occur, and also analyzes the daily TMR performance. Thanks to this, the breeder can see whether what he planned actually ends up on the feed table - and the rumen then works more stably because the bacteria receive the same dose every day.
TMR stability is the stability of the microbiota, which means higher efficiency and better health of the herd. Smart Feed helps maintain this repeatability, which in practice is more important than many feed additives.
Improving the rumen microflora is one of the most effective ways to ensure stable results, healthy cows and higher milk production. Research clearly shows that the key is appropriate fiber, appropriate feed structure, probiotics and, above all, repeatability and precision of nutrition.
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