Efficiency of using the "Meadow of Health" feed table cover

Abstract

The results of using the polymer cover of the feed table "Meadow of Health" in comparison with the concrete feed table are presented. The research was carried out in the conditions of the dairy livestock complex of the Kirov region on milk cows of the Black-and-White Holstein breed during the lactation period. Concrete feed tables for cows during the lactation stabilization period at the time of carrying out had average wear, while the cover of the feed table "Meadow of Health" remained smooth and even for 6 months. The study of microbial contamination of feed table covers showed, that already one month after the beginning of the experiment, the number of microbial cells was 54.7% lower (p < 0.05) in the 1st experimental group, where the "Meadow of Health" cover was used, compared to the concrete table. The amount of uneaten feed residues on the feed tables with the "Meadow of Health" cover was less in comparison with the concrete feed table (p < 0.05), which indicates better palatability of forage mixture from this cover. When transferring cows from polymer cover to concrete from the 2nd month of lactation, a decrease in average daily milk yields by 0.9 kg was observed. By the 4th month of lactation, the reduction in milk yield was 4.8 kg of milk per head per day. When transferring cows from a concrete feed table to a polymer one, there was an increase in milk productivity by 0.4–1.3 kg per head/day. In the first 3 months, the consumption of feed from a polymer-coated table increased by 2.3–5.6% compared to the concrete one. During 5 months of lactation, cows from the cover of the feed table "Meadow of Health" ate feed by 6.8–8.6% more than from concrete, which led to greater productivity of the animals during the analyzed period. The use of the polymer cover of the feed table "Meadow of Health" allowed to get additional profit in the amount of 20,460 rubles and recoup the costs of its installation already on the 39th day of use.