The utilization of ethanol by dairy cows

Authors

• Olof A. Forsander Research Laboratories of the State Alcohol Monopoly (Alko), Helsinki
• Martti Lampila Agricultural Research Centre, Department of Animal Husbandry, Tikkurila
• Bengt Westerling College of Veterinary Medicine, Helsinki

DOI: https://doi.org/10.23986/afsci.71688

Abstract

A preliminary study of the possibility of using large amounts of ethanol as an energy source for milking cows has been made. During the whole of the experimental period the cows were stall fed. Maximum blood ethanol levels were found ½—2 hours after dosing. Measurements of the rate of decrease of blood ethanol concentration, which is affected in part by elimination of ethanol in urine, milk and exhaled air, gave an apparent rate of oxidation in the animal organism (mean value for 4 cows) of 1.39 (range 0.75—1.59) kg per 500 kg live weight per 24 hr. During a 7-day experiment the cows’ drinking water contained about 1.4 % (w/v) ethanol. Their health did not appear to be affected adversely and blood glucose levels measured on the 7th day were normal. Milk yields decreased slightly at the beginning of the ethanol administration but then rose again during a period of a few days to pre-experiment levels. Drinking water containing 2 % ethanol caused clear intoxication in the cow which drank most (animal fell over). Administration of ethanol in the drinking water gave rise to a distinct off-flavour in the milk.