Effect of triticale grain in feeding of dairy cows on their milk production and physiological state

Abstract

Genetic potential of livestock can be revealed through organization of scientifically based feeding. Energy components of the ration, concentrates, are of special relevance. In recent years, triticale cereal crop has often been used as a concentrate for feeding cows. Triticale grain is virtually not used for feeding dairy cows, but its use in a mixture with other concentrates is of potential interest. The paper presents the results of the impact of triticale grain when it is introduced into a mixture of concentrates for feeding dairy cows in an amount of 2.7–3.7 kg on their milk production and physiological state. It was found that introduction of triticale grain into the diet of dairy cows did not have a significant effect on the physiological state of the experimental farm animals. In all experimental groups, the calcium content decreased, and in groups 1 and 2, the content of phosphorus decreased and that of triglycerides grew, which had a positive effect on fat synthesis increase. In the experimental groups, where triticale grain was used as concentrates, the amount of milk yield per lactation increased, and its quality characteristics improved. The cows from the experimental groups significantly surpassed their peers from the control group in milk yield per lactation by 21.3–37.3% at P≤0.01 and P≤0.001, respectively. The milk quality indicators were found to be better that increased amount of milk fat and milk protein. Despite the difference in milk yield, all cows were dairy animals and showed high milk yield rates ranging from 1,225 to 1,654.