Effect of Toxin Binder on Productive Performance of Lactating Friesian Cows

Abstract

Twenty Friesian cows with an average weight of 540 ± 17.59 kg and running on 2nd to 5th lactating season were used at 60 days before calving and continued up to 120 days of lactation feeding trial to study the effect of toxin binder (bentonite and zeolite) on Productive Performance of Lactating Cows. Cows were randomly divided into four similar groups (n = 3). All cows were received basal rations (BR) that consists of concentrate feed mixture (CFM), corn silage (CS) and rice straw (RS). Group 1 received (BR) without supplement and served as control rations, whereas groups G2, G3 and G4 received control diet plus 2% Bentonite, 1% Bentonite plus 1% Zeolite or 2% Zeolite of DM intake as tested rations, respectively. Results showed that, supplemented groups were significant (P˂0.05) higher intake of total DM, TDN and DCP than unsuplemented group. Also on the same trend, the concentrations of pH and TVFA's were increased significantly (P˂0.05), while ammonia-N decreased significantly (P˂0.05) in supplemented groups compared to G1. Group 2 recorded significantly (P˂0.05) the highest concentrations of total protein, globulin, glucose and T3 and followed by G3 and G4, while G1 had the lowest values. While, albumin concentration decreased significantly (P˂0.05) with bentonite and zeolite additives. While, the concentrations of creatinine, urea, total lipid and Ca as well as the activity of AST and ALT were nearly similar for the different groups. Yield of actual milk and 4% FCM were significantly (P˂0.05) higher in G2 than those of G4 and G1, And no significant higher than G3 ration: G2 showed significantly (P˂0.05) the highest contents of fat, protein, lactose, SNF and TS, while G1 had the lowest values. Ash content in milk was nearly similar for the different groups. Bentonite and zeolite supplementation improved feed conversion, and G2 recorded the best one. The difference were only significant between bentonite ration (G2) and the control one (G1). Group2 recorded the highest daily feed cost, output of 4% FCM yield, net revenue and economic efficiency followed by G3 and G4, while G1 had the lowest feed cost, net revenue and economic efficiency, while feed cost per one kg 4% FCM was lower significantly (P˂0.05) with G2 followed by G3 and G4, while G1 had the highest value. In conclusion, bentonite supplement for lactating Friesian cows at the level of 2% of DM intake as toxin binder had the best positive effect on digestibility, rumen fermentation, some blood parameters, feed intake, milk yield and composition, feed conversion and economic efficiency, comparison with other supplemented rations and the control one (unsupplemented).