Cow productivity depending on the energy level of their feeding

Abstract

This article presents the results of a scientific and economic experiment conducted on lactating cows of Holstein black-and-white breed during the second lactation period, in which the effect of increased energy levels of feeding dairy cows on their productivity was studied. Based on the conducted studies, it was revealed that an increase in the energy level of feeding lactating cows of the experimental group in the second lactation period by 33.3 MJ of metabolic energy due to a decrease in the yield of corn silage and concentrated feed, the replacement of mixed hay with alfalfa hay and the introduction of long-term grass haylage into the feeding diet contributed to a better consumption of metabolic energy by 31.3 MJ, dry matter – by 5.2 kg, crude protein – by 997 g, including digestible protein – by 613 g, crude fiber – by 1594 g, crude fat – by 237 g, sugar – by 553 g, compared with lactating cows of the control group. This led to an increase in gross milk production during the second lactation period in lactating cows of the experimental group by 275 kg, an increase in the fat content in milk by 0.02% and protein by 0.03%, respectively, then in lactating cows of the control group. One energy feed unit in the feeding diet of lactating cows of the control group accounted for 12.3 g less digestible protein than in the experimental group. The consumption of concentrates per 1 kg of milk in the control group was 25% higher than in the experimental group.