Lactation Response of Indigenous Lactating Cattle Fed on Mustard Oil and Molasses Supplementation

Abstract

Eighteen lactating indigenous cattle were randomly divided into 3 groups of 6 animals (3 Gir and 3 Sahiwal) each on the basis of milk yield and lactation stage to see the effect of molasses and Mustard oil supplementation on production performance. Cows were fed wheat straw, concentrate mixture and green fodder in the control group and additional 200 g of mustard oil and molasses was given in treatment groups. Experimental feeding was continued up to 90 days after 2 weeks of adaptation. Supplementation of mustard oil and molasses were accompanied by a significant increase in the milk yield as compare to control group. There was no significant difference between supplementation of mustard oil and molasses on milk yield. Supplementation of mustard oil and molasses were accompanied by a significant increase in the content of fat % in milk. However, there was no significant effect of supplementation of mustard oil and molasses on protein, lactose and total solids in the milk. Highest fat, protein, lactose and total solids (%) were observed in mustard oil supplementation group as compare to control and molasses supplementation group. Milk production efficiency in term of predicted lactation milk yield based on 90 days, peak yield and persistency was also significantly higher ustard oil supplemented in comparison to the control group. It was concluded that energy source in the form of molasses and mustard oil supplementation @ 200 g / day / in each animal significantly increased the milk production and efficiency over the control group.