Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the use of supplementary feed with different percentages of urea and mineral salt for crossbred milk cows. Ten animals were used, mean body weight 480 kg ± 9,7, distributed in a 5 x 5 double Latin square, with treatments of supplements with different urea and mineral salt percentages, namely, 10:10; 10:20; 20:10 and 20:20, completed to 100% with corn meal. Data underwent statistical analysis by SAS at 0.05 significance level. The use of supplements increased (p < 0.05) the total dry matter (DM) intake of diet. The increase in the level of urea in the supplement decreased DM intake of supplement. The use of supplements increased (p < 0.05) DM digestibility. The treatments with presence of supplement showed higher (p < 0.05) milk production. Supplemented diets may be used to correct nutritional deficiencies of sugar cane, with higher intake, digestibility and milk production. Treatments with 20% urea in the composition of the supplement caused a lower DM consumption with the same performance in the animals. The above-mentioned treatments had the best efficiency.
Highlights
The sugar cane (Saccharum spp.) is a plant featuring high production potential, well-accepted by animals, low costs per unit of dry mass and great availability during periods of scanty pasture (Mendonça et al, 2004; Prado et al, 2011)
There was an increase (p < 0.05) in the daily consumption of dry matter (DM) of sugar cane, total DM and all constituents of DM when diets with the supplements 10:10; 10:20; 20:10 and 20:20 were compared to control (0:100) (Table 3)
It is the result of the addition effect between the supplement and the sugar cane, which may be related to the increase of the amount of nutrients in the rumen, especially crude protein (CP), triggering a greater development and activity of rumen microorganisms (Broderick, 2003)
Summary
The sugar cane (Saccharum spp.) is a plant featuring high production potential, well-accepted by animals, low costs per unit of dry mass and great availability during periods of scanty pasture (Mendonça et al, 2004; Prado et al, 2011). Sugar cane has several nutritional limitations mainly due to its low protein rates and slow fiber degradation. They are limiting factors for microbial growth and the fermentation activity in the rumen, with a decrease in the. Since animal production mainly depends on consumption and nutrition rates of available feed, the correction of deficiencies is mandatory to minimize liabilities in milk production and the employment of multiple feed supplements is a possible solution
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
