Researchers tested whether a plant called goji berry branches could replace traditional alfalfa hay in dairy cow feed. They studied 45 cows over 75 days, comparing three groups: one eating regular alfalfa, one eating half goji branches, and one eating only goji branches. The results showed that cows eating goji branches produced more milk and better-quality milk with healthier fat composition. The cows also digested their food better and had improved immune system markers in their blood. This discovery could help farmers use alternative plants when traditional hay is hard to find.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether goji berry branches could replace alfalfa hay in dairy cow feed without hurting milk production or quality
  • Who participated: 45 Holstein dairy cows (a common milk-producing breed) that were already producing about 26.5 kilograms of milk per day, divided into three equal groups
  • Key finding: Cows eating 100% goji branches instead of alfalfa produced 8.7% more standardized milk and 10.9% more protein compared to cows eating regular alfalfa, while eating the same amount of food
  • What it means for you: This suggests farmers could use goji branches as a sustainable alternative to alfalfa when hay supplies are limited, potentially improving milk quality. However, this is early research on dairy cows and may not apply to other animals or situations.

The Research Details

Scientists divided 45 dairy cows into three groups of 15 cows each. All cows were similar in age and milk production at the start. For 15 days, the cows got used to their new diets. Then for 60 days, the researchers measured everything: how much milk each cow produced, what the milk contained, how well the cows digested their food, and what was happening in their stomachs. Group 1 ate regular alfalfa hay. Group 2 ate a mix of 50% goji branches and 50% alfalfa. Group 3 ate only goji branches instead of alfalfa. The researchers collected milk samples, blood samples, and measured stomach fluid to understand how the different feeds affected the cows.

This type of study is important because it tests a real solution to a real problem—when farmers don’t have enough traditional hay, they need alternatives. By testing on actual dairy cows over a long period (75 days), the researchers could see if the new feed actually works in real farming conditions, not just in a lab.

This study has good reliability because it used a randomized design (randomly assigning cows to groups), had a control group (cows eating regular alfalfa), and measured many different outcomes. The study lasted long enough (75 days) to see real effects. However, the study only tested one type of cow breed and one type of alternative plant, so results might differ with other breeds or plants.

What the Results Show

Cows eating 100% goji branches produced significantly more milk than cows eating regular alfalfa—about 2.6 kilograms more per day of standardized milk. They also produced more protein in their milk (about 0.11 kilograms more per day). Cows eating 50% or 100% goji branches produced milk with higher fat content and better fat composition. The milk from goji-fed cows contained more healthy polyunsaturated fats, which are considered better for human health. Importantly, the cows eating goji branches ate the same amount of food as the control group, meaning they were more efficient at converting feed into milk.

Cows eating goji branches digested their food better—they extracted more nutrients from what they ate. The stomach environment changed in beneficial ways: the pH (acidity level) was slightly lower, and the levels of beneficial fermentation products increased. Blood tests showed that cows eating 100% goji branches had higher levels of protective proteins and antioxidants, suggesting improved immune function and better protection against cellular damage.

Previous research has explored using alternative plants in dairy cow feed, but this is one of the first studies specifically testing goji branches. The results align with other research showing that certain plant alternatives can improve milk quality and digestive health. The improvement in antioxidant markers is particularly noteworthy and suggests benefits beyond just milk production.

The study only tested Holstein cows, so results might be different for other dairy breeds. It only tested one alternative plant (goji branches), so we don’t know if other plants work similarly. The study was conducted in one location with specific conditions, so results might vary in different climates or farming systems. The study lasted 75 days, which is good but relatively short for understanding long-term effects. The research doesn’t tell us about the cost of goji branches compared to alfalfa or how easy they are to grow and harvest.

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, farmers with limited alfalfa supplies may consider using goji branches as a partial or complete replacement. The evidence suggests this could improve milk production and quality. However, farmers should start by replacing 50% of alfalfa with goji branches to test results on their own farms before switching completely. This is a moderate-confidence recommendation because the research is promising but limited to one study and one cow breed.

Dairy farmers facing alfalfa shortages should pay attention to this research. Regions with limited hay production or high hay costs could benefit most. Consumers interested in milk quality and sustainability may also care about this finding. However, this research doesn’t directly apply to people eating dairy products—it’s about how to produce milk more efficiently. Farmers in areas with abundant alfalfa may not need to make changes.

Based on this study, changes in milk production appeared within the 60-day treatment period, suggesting farmers could see results within 2-3 months of switching feeds. However, the best results (highest milk production and quality) took the full 60 days to develop, so patience is needed before evaluating success.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • If you’re a farmer using this feed, track daily milk production (in kilograms), milk fat percentage, and milk protein percentage for each cow or group of cows. Compare these metrics weekly to establish a baseline before switching feeds and monitor changes for at least 8-12 weeks.
  • Gradually introduce goji branches into your dairy cow feed over 2-3 weeks, starting at 25% replacement of alfalfa, then moving to 50%, then 100% if results are positive. Monitor individual cow responses and adjust based on milk quality and production changes.
  • Create a simple tracking system recording: (1) daily milk yield per cow, (2) milk fat and protein content (weekly), (3) feed costs, (4) cow health observations, and (5) any changes in digestion or behavior. Compare these metrics monthly to determine if goji branches are working well on your specific farm.

This research describes results from a controlled study on dairy cows and should not be considered medical advice for humans. While the study suggests goji branches may improve dairy cow milk production and quality, farmers should consult with veterinarians and animal nutritionists before making significant changes to their feeding programs. Results may vary based on local conditions, cow breed, and farm management practices. This single study provides promising preliminary evidence but should be confirmed by additional research before widespread adoption. Always follow local agricultural regulations and food safety guidelines when implementing new feeding practices.