The effectiveness of coniferous-mineral and zeolite additives in feeding of fi rst-calf heifers under the conditions of Yakutia

Abstract

The purpose of the work was to study the complex effect of coniferous-mineral and zeolite additives on the milk productivity of first-calf heifers under the conditions of Yakutia. Data have been presented on the study of the influence of a coniferous-mineral additive in combination with a zeolite additive on the milk productivity of fi rst-calf heifers of Simmental breed under the conditions of Yakutia. The scientific and farm experiment was carried out in three groups; the selection and testing of animals was carried out taking into account generally accepted methods in animal science. The use of the complex of feed additives in the rations of the 2nd and 3rd experimental groups of animals made it possible to increase the milk productivity of fi rst-calf heifers by 9,07 and 7,58 % (P > 0,999), respectively. At the end of the experiment, milk yield in the experimental groups was higher compared to the 1st control group by 9,13 and 7,57 % (P > 0,999). In the milk of heifers of the 2nd and 3rd experimental groups, the proportion of fat content increased by 0,12 and 0,08 abs.%, as well as the milk protein content by 0,10 and 0,08 abs.% compared to the 1st control group. The most complete picture of the changes caused by the inclusion of experimental feed additives in the rations of experimental animals can be traced in terms of nutrient digestibility. In fi rst-calf heifers of the 2nd and 3rd experimental groups, the digestibility coeffi cients of nutrients increased as follow dry matter by 2,78 and 2,23 abs.%, organic matter by 3,01 and 1,42 abs.%, crude protein by 3,10 and 1,99 abs.%, crude fat by 3,46 and 2,72 abs.%, crude fi ber by 3,93 and 0,43 abs.%, nitrogen-free extractive substances by 1,52 and 0,52 abs.%, respectively, compared to the 1st control group. Thus, the integrated use of the studied additives in feeding of first-calf heifers improves the digestibility of nutrients and increases their milk productivity under the conditions of Yakutia.