Abstract
ABSTRACT This research article aims to evaluate the effect of total replacement of corn by soybean meal and urea on intake and apparent digestibility of dry matter and its components, production and composition of milk and feeding behavior of lactating cows grazing, with intermittent stocking Mombaça grass (Megathyrsus maximus cv. Mombaça). Twelve milking cows were distributed in a triple 4 x 4 latin square. Experimental treatments consisted of four soybean meal replacement levels by corn more urea (0; 33; 66; 100%). The grass has an average content of crude protein and neutral detergent fiber of 19% and 59%, respectively. The replacement of soybean meal by corn and urea did not affect the intake and digestibility of nutrients. A linear reduction of milk production was observed, but there was no change in milk production corrected to 4.0% of fat. The milk components (g/kg) of fat, protein, lactose, and total solids were not altered, as well as feeding behavior. Under the conditions of this study, the replacement of the diets is suitable for crossbred dairy cows in lactation third medium, producing in average of 12.5 kg/day-1 when kept in quality pastures.
Highlights
The Brazilian cattle industry is characterized by the production of most of its animals under pasture condition (Gurgel et al, 2020a)
The experiment was conducted in the Dairy Cattle Department of the UFRN (Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte), in the city of Macaíba, RN, Brazil. 12 crossbred cows were used, with body weight (BW) initial average of 473.0+45.0kg, average days lactation 95.0+42.2 and average initial milk production 14.1+1, 9kg a day
Feed times (FT min/day), rumination (RT, min / day), entertainment (ST, min/day) and chewing (TCT min/day) and rumination efficiencies depending on the dry matter (REDM/min) and neutral detergent fiber (RENDF/min) and the dry matter feed efficiency (PEDM/ min) and neutral detergent fiber (FENDF/min) were evaluated according to Bürger et al (2000)
Summary
The Brazilian cattle industry is characterized by the production of most of its animals under pasture condition (Gurgel et al, 2020a). Tropical pasture when fertilized and rightly irrigated, has the capacity to produce more dry matter (DM) with better nutritional quality, promoting better animal productivity and profitability of activity. Tropical grasses such as Megathyrsus maximus, have been used especially as forage for their high nutritional value, forage production and support capabilities, and high acceptability by the animals and the absence of anti-nutritional factors (Difante et al, 2010; Euclides et al, 2018; Emerenciano Neto et al, 2020). The use of other protein sources instead of soybean meal may be a strategy to reduce production costs of dairy farming, not compromising its performance (Naves et al, 2015; Pontes et al, 2020)
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