FCM Yield Research Articles

Strategic supplementation of novel feed supplement improved the lactation and reproductive performance in post-partum dairy cows

The present experiment aimed to establish the efficacy of dietary inclusion of a novel feed supplement on plane of nutrition, milk yield, and its characteristics, reproductive events and circulating concentrations of reproductive hormones in dairy cows during early lactation. Twelve post-partum crossbred lactating cows were equally and randomly assigned to two dietary treatments for 90 days. The cows in CON (control) group were fed on green fodder and wheat straw-based diet with concentrate mixture, whereas, cows in NFS (Novel Feed Supplement) group were fed according to CON group with additional novel feed supplement @0.25% of BW. A comparative study of plane of nutrition revealed that both DCP and TDN were deficient in CON by 12.0 and 18.99%, respectively, however, it was sufficient in NFS group. The daily and total milk yield (kg), 4% FCM, ECM, fat and protein yields (g/d) were improved in NFS than CON group. The average composition of milk showed no significant difference throughout the study. The supplement fed cows had an evident early return of heat (26.20 d in NFS v/s 42.60 d in CON) with enhanced conception rate (66.7% in NFS v/s 50% in CON). The estradiol concentration (pg/ml) was reduced and progesterone concentration (ng/ml) was enhanced in NFS fed cows. In conclusion, incorporation of the novel feed supplement @0.25% of BW significantly improved the plane of nutrition, milk production and reproduction in lactating crossbred cows during the early post-partum period.

Effect of Different Feeding Methods on Milk Production and Composition of Lactating Punganur Cows

The present experiment was conducted during January–August, 2021 at Livestock Research Station, Palamaner, Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh, India to study the effect of different feeding methods on production performance in lactating Punganur cows. A lactation study of 90 days duration was conducted on 16 lactating Punganur cows which were distributed (CRD) into four treatment groups comprising of 4 animals each. Animals of Control group were maintained as per the feeding practice followed by the farmers rearing Punganur cows in Chittoor district (Hedge lucerne, Paddy straw and Concentrate mixture), T2 group fed with Super Napier grass Paddy straw and Concentrate mixture, T3 group fed with Paddy straw, concentrate mixture and UMMB and T4 group fed with TMR. The average FCM yield (kg d-1) was highest (p<0.05) in T4 followed by T3 or T2 and lowest in T1. The Protein and lactose content (%) of milk was highest (p<0.05) in T4 and lowest in T3, while Fat and SNF (%) remained unaltered. The efficiency of milk production (kg/kg FCM) of DMI and TDNI lowest (p<0.05) in T4, While CPI and DCPI lower (p<0.05) in T4 or T3 as compared to T2 or T1. The cost economics of milk production indicated that the feed cost (`) per kg FCM yield was lowest (p<0.05) in T3. The study concluded that the feed conversion efficiency in terms of DM, CP and Gross energy was highest for TMR group, while cost economics of milk production was better in Paddy straw, concentrate mixture, UMMB and TMR group.

Effect of Sunflower Oil Supplementation on Milk Production, Composition, Fatty Acid Profile and Blood Metabolites of Mehsana Buffaloes

Background: In early post-partum buffaloes, feed intake is generally insufficient to meet the energy demand for milk production; as a consequence, body reserves are mobilized which can result in metabolic disorders and poor production performance. In order to enhance energy intake and reduce the detrimental effects of a negative energy balance, buffalo diets may be supplemented with lipids/vegetable oil. Some reported benefits of vegetable oil supplementation include increased energy concentration in the diet, reduced supply of rapidly fermentable carbohydrates, and better productive performance. Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is an important oilseed crop in India. Sunflower seed contains about 48-53 percent of edible oil. Recent studies demonstrated that sunflower oil supplementation improved the milk production and nutritional quality of milk fat which is beneficial to human health. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) oil supplementation on production performance of lactating Mehsana buffalo. Methods: Three experimental groups were as, CON: fed on basal diet (Control), SO125: fed basal diet supplemented with 125 ml of sunflower oil/animal/day and SO250: fed basal diet supplemented with 250 ml of sunflower oil/animal/day for a period of 90 days. Result: There was no difference (P greater than 0.05) in DM intake of lactating buffaloes among the dietary treatments. Dietary inclusion of sunflower oils improved milk yield by 17.9 to 20.7%, 6% FCM yield by 16.4 to 22.9% and ECM yield by 16.0 to 23.0% in SO125 and SO250 groups, respectively as compared to the CON. There were no differences (P greater than 0.05) in milk composition and yields of milk components. The milk fatty acid percentages of C20:0 and C24:0 were significantly decreased due feeding of sunflower oil as compared to the CON. Feeding of sunflower oil did not influence milk fat short chain, medium chain, saturated, unsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids in lactating Mehsana buffaloes. The serum concentrations of glucose, total proteins, albumin, urea, creatinine, triglycerides, ALT and AST were not affected (P greater than 0.05) by supplementation of sunflower oil, however, serum cholesterol concentration was significantly (P less than 0.01) increased in SO125 and SO250 groups as compared to the CON group.

Feeding a Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product before and during a feed restriction challenge on milk production, plasma biomarkers, and immune function in Holstein cows.

Periods of decreased feed intake may disrupt function of the intestinal barrier. Feeding NutriTek® (NTK; Diamond V, Cedar Rapids, IA), a postbiotic from S. cerevisiae fermentation (SCFP), improved health and supported anti-inflammatory functions. We investigated the effects of feeding NTK to cows before and during a period of feed restriction (FR) designed to model periods of intestinal barrier dysfunction. In total, 16 multiparous cows (97.1 ± 7.6 DIM; n = 8/group) were fed a control diet (CON) or CON plus 19 g/d NTK for 9 wk (Phase 1; P1) and then were subjected to an FR challenge for 5 d, during which they were fed 40% of their ad libitum intake from the 7 d prior to FR. Milk yield (MY) and DMI were collected daily. During FR, milk was collected daily for composition, blood daily to measure plasma biomarkers and to measure monocyte and neutrophil phagocytosis and oxidative burst on d 1, 3, and 5. Data were analyzed using a mixed model in SAS 9.4. All data were subjected to repeated measures ANOVA. Dietary treatment (TRT), Day, and their interaction (TRT × Day) were considered as fixed effects and cow as the random effect. For analysis of P1, data collected during a 7-d adaptation phase were used as a covariate. During P1, NTK cows tended to have greater DMI and had greater fat, ECM and FCM yields, and feed efficiency (ECM/DMI and FCM/DMI). Protein yield tended to be greater in NTK compared with CON cows. A tendency for greater monocyte phagocytosis was detected with NTK. However, during FR, feeding NTK led to lower MY and lactose yield and tended to lower solids percentage. While NTK cows tended to have reduced neutrophil oxidative burst than CON cows during FR (NTK: 26.20%, CON: 36.93%), there was no difference in phagocytosis (NTK: 7.92%, CON: 6.31%). Plasma biomarkers of energy metabolism, liver function, inflammation, and oxidative stress during the FR period did not differ. Overall, results suggested that feeding NTK increased the yield of FCM, ECM, feed efficiency and milk components prior to FR.

Effect of rumen-protected choline supplementation on production performance and haemato-biochemical profile of Kankrej cows

A study was conducted to examine the effect of supplementation of rumen-protected choline chloride (RPC) on production performance and haemato-biochemical parameters of Kankrej cows. Twenty Kankrej cows were randomly allocated to two treatment groups: control (CON: fed basal diet without supplement) and treatment (RPC: basal diet supplemented with50 g/d/cow of RPC) from 4-weeks pre-partum through 8-weekspost-partum. Results showed that average body weights and dry matter intake were not affected (P<0.05) by the supplementation of RPC. There was significant (P<0.05)improvement in yields of milk (11.10 vs. 12.45 kg/d), FCM (10.93vs. 12.49 kg/d) and ECM (12.07 vs. 13.76 kg/d) with RPC supplementation when compared with cows fed on the control diet. The milk fat, SNF, total solids, protein and lactose contents did not differ (P>0.05) between the treatment groups. Supplementation of RPC improved feed efficiency in terms of kg of 4% FCM/kg of DMI and kg of ECM/kg of DMI in lactating cows. The higher (P<0.05) serum glucose concentration (65.72vs.62.05 mg/dL) was observed in RPC than the CON. Supplementation of RPC reduced (P<0.05) concentration of serum triglycerides (27.27 vs.31.38 mg/dL) as compared to the CON group. Other estimated blood metabolites were not influenced(P>0.05) by the supplementation of RPC. In conclusion, supplementation of 50 g/d rumen-protected choline during peripartum period improved milk production, feed efficiency and blood glucose in Kankrej cows.

Effect of zinc and vitamin E supplementation on production performance of lactating buffaloes

The trial involved twenty four early lactating Murrah buffaloes randomly selected and divided into four groups T0, T1, T2 and T3 comprising six animals in each group. The experimental Group T0 received basal ration containing concentrate mixture, paragrass and paddy straw, Group T1 received basal ration + 40 ppm zinc/animal/day, Group T2 received basal ration + vitamin E 1000 IU/animal/day and Group T3 received basal ration with combination of zinc 40 ppm + vitamin E 1000 IU for 13 weeks trial period. The average dry matter intake of buffaloes from various Experimental groups was comparable. The average milk yield and FCM yield of Group T3 was significantly (P<0.01) higher than Group T0 and T1, however, difference between T2 and T3 was comparable. The feed efficiency in terms of DM intake/kg FCM yield was significantly (P<0.01) better in Group T3 than Group T0 and T1. The average milk composition was not affected by the feed treatment. The milk somatic cell count was significantly (P<0.05) lowered in all Supplemented group. Thus, it is concluded that the supplementation of zinc 40 ppm and vitamin E 1000 IU and their combination found to be beneficial for increasing milk production and improving milk quality in term of lower somatic cell count and such supplementation is cost effective and beneficial for dairy farmers. More benefits were recorded in combination of zinc and vitamin E Supplemented group than the unsupplemented or only zinc Supplemented groups.

Influence of Rumen Protected Fat Supplementation on Nutrient Intake and Feed Conversion Efficiency in Buffaloes

This study was carried out to assess the effects of supplementation of bypass fat for one month prepartum and three months postpartum on nutrient intake and feed conversion efficiency for milk production in buffaloes. Advanced pregnant buffaloes (n=32, 2-3 parity) were selected at farmers’ doorstep, and were divided into two equal groups, each of 16 animals, on the basis of previous lactation milk production and fat %. Animals in T1 group (n=16, control) received farmers’ feeding schedule, and those in T2 group were additionally supplemented with bypass fat @ 100 g/head/d during prepartum and 20 g/kg of milk yield during early lactation. Average daily DM and DCP intake did not differ significantly in control and treatment group, whereas average daily TDN intake was found significantly higher in treatment group during postpartum phase. Whole milk yield (kg/head/d) of buffaloes in T2 group was significantly (P<0.05) higher than T1 (5.43±0.07 vs. 4.50+0.04). Feed conversion efficiency (kg intake/kg whole milk) of DM (2.40±0.04 vs. 1.99±0.02), DCP (133.50±1.84 vs. 111.56±01.20) and TDN (1.53±0.02 vs. 1.31±0.01) was superior (P<0.05) in bypass fat group, and similar was the trend for 6% FCM yield. Daily feed cost (Rs. 101.66±0.45 vs. 92.98±0.64) and average realizable receipt from sale of milk (Rs. 231.12±1.46 vs. 165.88±1.39/head) were higher (p<0.05) in T2 group over control. The findings indicated that the bypass fat supplement @ 100 g/head/day one month before parturition and 20 g/kg milk yield during early lactation to buffaloes was economically advantageous in terms of increased milk yield and better feed conversion efficiency.

Effect of Feeding Rumen Bypass Fat on Productive and Reproductive Performance of Buffaloes under Field Conditions

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of supplementation of bypass fat one month pre-parturition and three months of early lactation on milk production and reproductive performance of buffaloes. Thirty two multiparous pregnant buffaloes (2-3 lactation) were selected at farmers’ doorstep in Dahod District, Gujarat, and were divided into two equal groups, each of 16 animals, on the basis of their milk production and fat % during previous lactation. Animals in T1 group (n=16, control) were fed as per farmers’ feeding schedule, and those in T2 group were additionally supplemented with bypass fat @ 100 g/h/d during prepartum and 20 g/kg of milk yield during postpartum phase. The overall average whole milk yield (kg/head/d) of buffaloes was significantly (p<0.05) higher in bypass fat group T2 than control T1 (5.43±0.07 vs. 4.50+0.04). The fat percentage was significantly (p<0.05) higher (6.77±0.09 vs. 5.84±0.04) and SNF was lower (10.68±0.18 vs. 11.32±0.16) in bypass fat supplemented group. The average daily yields (kg/head/d) and cumulative yields (kg/head) of whole experimental period of fat, SNF, 6% FCM, SCM and ECM were significantly (P<0.05) higher in bypass fat group. However, average milk constituents, viz., total solids, protein, calcium and phosphorus were statistically similar in T1 and T2 groups. Daily feed cost (Rs. 101.66±0.45 vs. 92.98±0.64) and average realizable receipt from sale of milk (Rs. 231.12±1.46 vs. 165.88±1.39/head) were (p<0.05) higher in T2 group over control, and thus average daily profit increased per buffalo was Rs. 56.56 over control. Postpartum first heat was earlier by 14 days with significantly (p<0.05) reduced number of AIs per conception (1.63±0.13 vs. 3.88±0.20) and service period (129.46±9.61 vs 187.70±11.89 days) in bypass fat group compared to control group. The findings indicated that supplementing bypass fat to buffaloes @ 100 g/head/day one month before parturition and 20 g/kg milk yield during early lactation is advantageous in terms of increased milk yield, 6% FCM yield, with improved postpartum fertility and higher daily profit per buffalo.

Efficiency of feed conversion and milk yield in Murrah buffaloes fed with linseed and linseed oil

The present experiment was carried out to study the influence of feeding linseed and linseed oil on feed conversion and milk production efficiency (gross efficiency of milk production and gross protein efficiency) in lactating Murrah buffaloes. For this purpose, 18 lactating Murrah buffaloes were grouped in control (T0), T1 and T2 (06 animals in each) on basis of average live weight (516.55±9.53 kg), milk yield (7.50±0.3 kg), fat percentage in milk (6.70±0.29%) and lactation stage (2 weeks after parturition). Murrah buffaloes in all three groups were fed a same ration, consist of available green fodder, wheat straw and concentrate (69.03:30.97; roughage: concentrate ratio) to fulfill their nutrient requirement for maintenance and milk production of experimental Murrah buffaloes. In the treatment group (T1) 250 g/d linseed oil and 570 g/d whole linseed (T2) was supplemented with basal ration. The experimental feeding to the Murrah buffaloes was started 15 days after parturition and continues for 60 days. However, the experimental data were taken for the period of 6 months (i.e. 180 days). A 7 days digestion trial was conducted at the last of feeding experiment to know the digestibility of nutrient. The milk production, 4% FCM yield, SCM yield, ECM yield, change in body weight, dry matter intake and roughage to concentrate ration didn’t differ significantly between groups. No significant difference was observed in nutrient intake (TDN and CP) between groups. The digestibility of organic nutrient also didn’t differ significantly among experimental groups. The average gross efficiency of milk production was 26.51% and average gross protein efficiency of milk production was 36.49% and didn’t differ significantly. The average feed conversion efficiency as milk yield (kg) / DMI (kg) was 0.61, FCM yield(kg) / DMI (kg) was 0.86, average ECM yield (kg) / DMI (kg) was 0.89 and average SCM yield (kg) / DMI (kg) was 0.85 in lactating Murrah buffaloes. It was concluded that feeding linseed and linseed oil in lactating Murrah buffaloes didn’t affect the milk production efficiency (gross efficiency of milk production and gross protein efficiency) and feed conversion efficiency.

Effect of supplementation of probiotics and rumen buffer on performance of lactating buffaloes

The study involved 12 Murrah buffaloes which were divided into two groups of six each viz. Control (T0) and Treatment group (T1). The buffaloes from Group T0 received standard concentrate mixture and roughages as per the routine practice of the farm. Whereas Group T1 received same ration as that of Group T0 along with supplement containing probiotics like yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus pumilus and Bacillus amyloliquifaciens) and rumen buffer 10 g/day/animal. The experiment lasted for 91 days. The average daily milk yield and FCM yield, DMI, TDN and DCP intake of buffaloes from Treatment group (T1) was significantly (P˂0.01) higher than Control group. The efficiency of feed utilization in terms of dry matter required per kg of FCM yield produced was significantly (P˂0.01) better in Group T1 than Control group. The average milk fat, protein, total solids, SNF and lactose percentage of Group T1 was significantly (P˂0.01) higher than Control group. The average somatic cell count of milk of buffaloes form Group T1 was significantly (P˂0.05) lower than Control group. The economics of the study showed an extra profit of ₹ 25.20 in Supplemented group over Control group.

Effect of feeding bypass fat on production, reproduction, feed and economic efficiency of dairy cows

The dairy cows experience negative energy balance during early lactation and feeding Bypass fat in ration can produce higher milk yield, improved reproduction with better economics. An experiment was planned to evaluate feeding of total mixed ration (TMR) supplemented with Bypass fat @ 100 g/day to dairy animals for -21 to 120 days of calving. Total sixteen animals were divided to control and Bypass fat group having eight animals in each. The effect on production, reproduction and economics was evaluated for 21 biweekly periods and for 300 days of lactation. The feeding total mix ration (TMR) supplemented with 100g/day Bypass fat (98%; -21 to 120 days of calving) was resulted in daily 1.19 kg higher (p=0.050) residual whole milk, 1.21 kg daily higher (p=0.048) residual 4% FCM yield whereas improvement in whole milk, 4% fat corrected milk yield and milking days (25 days) was numerical for period of 1-21 bi-week period. An intake of dry matter and nutrient was non-significant between the groups. The better feed conversion ratio (kg/kg milk) in terms of dry matter (1.581±0.11 vs. 2.330±0.39; p=0.048) and total digestible nutrients (0.846±0.06 vs. 1.300±0.21 kg; p=0.046), improved reproduction in terms of Artificial insemination (AI)/conception (1.857±0.14 vs. 2.286±0.18; p=0.008) and service period (113.13±20.73 vs. 177.38±20.92 days; p=0.014) and better feed cost to milk income ratio (1:1.93 vs. 1:1.63) in lactating cows during standard lactation. The lower loss of body condition score of bypass fat group cows after calving resulted in better milk yield and reproduction of dairy cows.

De-oiled palm kernel cake for stall-fed buffaloes: effect on milk constituents, nutrient digestibility, biochemical parameters, and rumen fermentation.

Palm kernel cake, the main by-product of the palm kernel oil extraction process, is a highly available and low-priced agro-industrial by-product. However, several concerns exist to arriving at a safe inclusion level, especially for buffaloes. Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of feeding de-oiled palm kernel cake (DPKC) to tropical buffaloes. In trial I, four fistulated Murrah buffaloes arranged in a 4 × 4 Latin square design were fed diets containing DPKC inclusions at 0, 15, 30, and 45% levels of compound feed to study their effects on rumen fermentation parameters. Trial II involves feeding twelve lactating buffaloes with DPKC inclusion levels at 0 or 15% of the compound feed to evaluate the effect of DPKC on the nutrient digestibility, serum biochemical constituents, rumen fermentation patterns, and lactation profile. The DPKC diets did not affect rumen pH, TCA-ppt nitrogen, and TVFA proportion; nevertheless, the NH3-N data revealed a decreased trend (P = 0.076). The acetate fraction decreased linearly (P < 0.05) with increased DPKC diets. Replacing the conventional protein sources with DPKC at a 15% level did not influence the nutrient intake and digestibility coefficients. No significant effects were observed for serum biochemical and mineral profiles of the lactating buffaloes fed the DPKC diet. Neither milk yield nor milk constituents (SNF, total solids, density, lactose, protein) were altered with the diets fed, except for milk fat%, which tended to increase (P = 0.092) on feeding DPKC diets. All the lactation parameters varied with time of collection, and diet × time interactions were noticed for fat, density, protein, 6% FCM yield, and butterfat yield. The feed efficiency tended to increase (P = 0.070) in the buffaloes fed DPKC diets. The profit margins were ₹6.07 and ₹1.63 for the DPKC included diets and feed cost per Kg 6% FCMY, respectively. Inconclusion,the inclusion of DPKC in the diet decreases feed cost without affecting the nutrient intakes, digestibility coefficients, serum biochemical and mineral profile, and lactation parameters.

Effect of bypass fat supplementation on production performance of lactating Mehsana buffaloes

An on-farm trial was conducted to study the effect of bypass fat supplementation in lactating Mehsana buffaloes for the period of 90 days post-calving in Banaskantha district, Gujarat. Fourteen Mehsana buffaloes were selected and randomly divided into two groups having 7 animalseach. The animals in the control (CON) group were fed on basal diet (concentrate mixture, green and dry fodder) and the treatment (BPF) group was fed basal diet supplemented with bypass fat @ 100 g/day/animal. Supplementation of bypass fat did not influence the DM intake and body weights. Higher milk yield (9.02%) and 6% fat corrected milk yield (14.23%) were observed in the BPF than the CON group. The percentages of milk fat (6.43 vs. 6.01%) and SNF (9.51 vs. 9.31%) were significantly higher in the BPF than the CON group. The feed conversion efficiency was significantly lower (0.99 vs. 1.07) in bypass fat fed group. Based on the findings, it was concluded that supplementation of bypass fat at the rate of 100 g/d in early lactating Mehsana buffaloes improved the milk yield, FCM yield, milk fat content, SNF and feed conversion efficiency.

Effect of Eucalyptus Leaves Supplementation in Ration on Lactating Buffaloes Performance

The present study was carried out to investigate the effect of fresh and dry eucalyptus leaves on feed intake, digestibility, rumen fermentation activity, blood serum biochemical, milk yield and composition, feed conversion and economic efficiency of lactating buffaloes. Twenty lactating multiparous Egyptian buffaloes in 3rd and 5th lactation seasons and weighed 550 kg on average were used in complete randomized design after 8 weeks of calving (peak period) and assigned into five similar groups of four buffaloes each according to milk yield and live body weight. Animals were individually fed on a basal ration (BR) consisted of 40% concentrate feed mixture (CFM), 30% fresh berseem (FB) and 30% rice straw (RS). The first group was un supplemented and served as a control group (G1). Those in the second and third groups were supplemented with 50 and 100 g of fresh eucalyptus leaves per head per day for low level (G2) and high level (G3). Animals in the fourth and fifth groups were supplemented with 15 and 30 g of dry eucalyptus leaves per head per day for low level (G4) and high level (G5). G3 recorded significantly the highest digestibility coefficients of all nutrients and feeding values followed by G2, G5 and G4, whereas control one (G1) had the lowest values. Ruminal pH value tended to decreased with Eucalyptus leaves additive. Group 3 showed significantly the highest TVFA’s and the lowest NH3-N concentration followed by G2, G5 and G4, while G1 had the opposite trend. Moreover, G3 revealed significantly the highest concentrations of total protein and globulin and the lowest urea, urea-N and creatinine and activity of SGOT and SGPT enzymes in blood serum followed by G2, G5 and G4, while G1 had reverse values. However, serum albumin concentration was nearly similar for the different groups. Group 3 recorded significantly the highest feed intake (DM, TDN and DCP), yield of actual milk and 7% FCM, milk composition (fat, protein, lactose, SNF, TS and ash) and milk constituents yield followed by G2, G5 and G4, while G1 had the lowest values. Also, G3 recorded significantly the lowest amounts of DM, TDN and DCP per 1 kg 7% FCM followed by G2, G5 and G4, while G1 had the highest amounts. At the same time, G3 recorded significantly the highest values of feed cost, output of 7% FCM yield, net revenue and economic efficiency and the lowest feed cost per kg 7% FCM followed by G2, G5 and G4, while G1 had the opposite values. In conclusion, addition of fresh eucalyptus leaves at the level of 100 g/head/day recorded the best improvements in feed intake, digestibility, rumen fermentation activity, some blood serum biochemical, milk yield and composition, feed conversion and economic efficiency of lactating buffaloes.

Yield of milk and milk constituents of lactating dairy cows fed on paddy straw plus non-forage fibre sources based complete rations having varying levels of neutral detergent fibre

A study of six months duration was conducted to assess the yield of milk and milk constituents of lactating dairy cows fed on paddy straw plus non-forage fibre sources based complete rations containing different levels of NDF, in two phases, viz., early and mid lactation. Three isonitrogenous and isocaloric complete rations, T 1 , T 2 and T 3 with 25, 30 and 35 per cent NDF, respectively were formulated as per the recommendations of ICAR-NIANP (2013). Paddy straw was the sole source of roughage NDF, in all the three rations. Eighteen dairy cows yielding approximately 10 kg of milk per day were divided into three groups of six each and allotted to the three experimental rations. The average daily milk yield of cows fed on the experimental rations, T 1 , T 2 and T 3 , in phases I and II were similar (P 0.05). All these yields were highest in cows of T 3 , followed by T 2 and T 1 , in descending order, with the values in the three dietary treatments being significantly different (P<0.05), among themselves in phase II as well as the total experiment. A thorough evaluation of the results obtained in the present study, reveal that the animals in all the three dietary treatments performed well, with the complete rations T 3 with 35 per cent NDF and T 2 with 30 per cent NDF, showing better performance than T 1 with 25 per cent NDF. Among T 2 and T 3 which were more or less comparable in milk yield, the cows fed on diet T 3 remained in peak milk yield for longer period than those in T 2 . The cows fed on diet T 3 had a significantly higher (P<0.05) FCM, fat and protein yield in early, mid and total lactation than those fed on the diet T 2 , indicating that T 3 was better than T 2 . These results suggest that complete rations with 25 to 35 per cent NDF, containing paddy straw as the sole source of roughage NDF, can be recommended for use among early and mid lactation dairy cows, with 35 per cent being the ideal NDF level.

Existing feeding practices and production performance of lactating buffaloes in selected agro-climatic zones of Bangladesh

A study was conducted to observe the existing feeding practices, nutritional supply and production performance of the lactating buffaloes in some selected agro-climatic zones of Bangladesh, viz. Bhola (AEZ-18, Coastal area), Mymensingh (AEZ-22, River basin area) and Dinajpur (AEZ-27, Drought area). Data on availability, amount and types of feeds and fodders fed to the lactating buffaloes, body weight, milk yield and quality and lactation length were collected from 30 farmers of the each selected locations. In this investigation, the mostly used feed ingredients found were rice straw, locally available green grasses, wheat bran, broken maize, mustard oil cake and broken rice. Total feed supply (DM kg/h/d) to lactating buffaloes were 17.4, 14.5 and 13.0 in coastal, river basin and drought areas, respectively, (p&gt;0.05). But significantly (p = 0.000) different amount (DM kg/h/d) of concentrate were supplied in coastal (1.5), river basin (1.8) and drought (2.7) areas. The highest amount (kg/h/d) of green grass was supplied in coastal area (5.0) followed by river basin area (4.3) and drought area (1.3). Accordingly, amount (kg/d) of DCP and TDN were supplied was higher in coastal area (0.365 and 6.417, respectively) than that of the river basin and drought areas (0.247-0.248 and 5.501-5.891, respectively), which were below their requirements. Significantly (p=0.000) larger lactating buffaloes were found in the river basin and drought areas (weighed 372–380 kg/h) than that of coastal area (242 kg/h). The average daily milk yield was found significantly highest (p=0.000) in the drought area (5.3 L/d) which was 1.4 L and 3.1L more than that of the river basin and coastal area, respectively. The 4% FCM yield was found two times more (p=0.000) in drought area (7.7 kg/d) than that of the coastal (3.1 kg/d) and river basin (3.6 kg/d) area. On the other hand, the significantly (p=0.000) highest lactation length and lactation yield were 294 d and 1085 L, in the river basin area, which were 189 d and 1007 L in drought area and 197d and 429 L in coastal area, respectively. Among the milk constituents, protein, ash and lactose content was found higher in drought area than that of the other two areas (p=0.001). In conclusion, the prevailing variations are evidently considerable. Therefore, suggesting further works for large scale baseline data regarding buffalo populations, nutritive quality of feeds and fodder, effectiveness of existing management tools and adoption of new technologies.&#x0D; Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2019. 48 (2): 127-138

Saturated fat supplemented in the form of triglycerides decreased digestibility and reduced performance of dairy cows as compared to calcium salt of fatty acids

The two most popular rumen-protected fatty acid supplements in dairy cow rations are calcium salts of palm oil fatty acid calcium salts of palm oil fatty acid (CSFA) and prilled saturated fatty acids (SFAs). The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of supplementing SFA in the form of triglycerides (TSFA), as compared to CSFA, on yields, efficiency and diet digestibility in high-yielding dairy cows. Twenty-eight (14 cows in each group) multiparous cows were fed a basal diet supplemented (on DM basis) with either 12 g/kg TSFA (~350 g/cow per day – contained 980 g/kg fat; 882.3 g/kg SFAs) or 14 g/kg CSFA (~440 g/cow per day – contained 800 g/kg fat; 566.4 g/kg SFAs). The supplement amounts in the diet were balanced according to fat content. Rumen samples were taken for measurements of ammonia and volatile fatty acids concentrations, and fecal samples were taken for digestibility measurements. The CSFA cows produced 3% higher milk yields (47.6 v. 46.2 kg/day; P < 0.0001) and 4.7% higher 4% fat-corrected milk (FCM; 44.7 v. 42.7 kg/day; P = 0.02) than the TSFA cows. No difference in milk-fat content was observed, but milk-protein content was higher in the TSFA than CSFA cows. Yields of fat and protein were similar, but lactose yields were higher in TSFA cows. There were no differences in dry matter intake or efficiency calculations between groups. The ruminal ammonia concentrations were similar between groups, whereas acetate concentrations and acetate : propionate ratio were greater for CSFA than TSFA cows. The apparent total-tract digestibility of dry (P < 0.0007) and organic matters (P < 0.0003), fat (P < 0.0001), NDF and ADF (P = 0.02) were lower in the TSFA v. CSFA cows. In conclusion, the CSFA-supplemented cows produced 3% higher milk and 4.7% higher 4% FCM than the TSFA cows. However, TSFA supplementation did not depress milk-protein content. The apparent total-tract digestibility was lower for all dietary components in the TSFA cows, which was probably due to the effects of both degree of saturation and triglyceride form of the TSFA supplement. Considering that diets were balanced according to the fat content of the supplements, the lower yields of milk and FCM observed in the TSFA than CSFA cows were likely due to the lower digestibility of the fat and other nutrients in the TSFA cows, which might have negatively influenced the dietary energy content.

53 Young Scholar Presentation: Diet starch concentration and starch fermentability affect energy intake and production of dairy cows during the postpartum period

Abstract Our objective was to evaluate the effects of starch concentration and starch fermentability of diets fed during the early postpartum (PP) period on DM and energy intake and production. Fifty-two multiparous Holstein cows were used in a completely randomized block design with a 2 X 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Treatment diets were formulated to 22% (LS) or 28% (HS) starch with dry-ground corn (DGC) or high-moisture corn (HMC) as starch source. Treatments were fed from 1 to 23 d PP, and cows were switched to a common diet until 72 d PP to measure carryover (CO) effects. Throughout the experiment, DMI and MY were measured daily, and milk components and BW were measured weekly. During the TP, feeds, refusals, and fecal samples were collected and digestibility was determined weekly. During the TP, HMC decreased intakes of DM and net energy of lactation (NEL) more when included in the HS (3.9 kg/d and 3.2 Mcal/d) than in the LS (0.9 kg/d and 0.6 Mcal/d) diets and HMC decreased yields of milk, fat, protein, 3.5% FCM and milk NEL by 4.3, 0.19, 0.18, 4.8 kg/d and 2.8 Mcal/d, respectively. Energy balance was improved by HS compared with LS (-14.7 vs. -16.8 Mcal/d). During the CO period, treatment effects on DMI diminished over time with no main effects of treatment for the entire period. Treatments interacted to affect yields of milk, milk fat and FCM during the CO period, which were greater for HS-DGC and LS-HMC (54.8 and 52.8, 1.76 and 1.81, and 51.3 and 52.2 kg/d, respectively) than for LS-DGC and HS-HMC (51.2 and 51.0, 1.68 and 1.64, and 48.4 and 48.6 kg/d, respectively). Feeding a highly fermentable starch source during the early PP period decreased DM and energy intake and production, with treatment effects diminishing during the CO period.

Effect of Supplementing Selenium Yeast and Vitamin E on Performance of Lactating Buffaloes

To assess the effect of supplementing selenium (Se) yeast and vitamin E on milk yield, milk composition and milk somatic cell count (SCC), twenty four lactating Murrah buffaloes were selected and divided into four groups of six each viz. T0 (control) and T1, T2, T3. Buffaloes under T1 were supplemented with Se (0.3 mg / kg DMI), while those under T2 were supplemented with vitamin E (40 IU / kg DMI); the group T3 were supplemented with a combination of Se (0.3 mg / kg DMI) and vitamin E (40 IU / kg DMI) during trial period of 90 days. Milk yield of the experimental animals was recorded daily; Milk samples were collected weekly for milk composition (fat, protein, lactose and solid non fat) and SCC was done fortnightly. The results indicated that the DM, TDN, DCP intake, milk yield, FCM yield and milk composition i.e. protein, fat and total solidswere non significant among experimental groups. However, Milk SNF percent was significantly (P≤0.05) higher in T3 group. Milk lactose percent was significantly higher (P≤0.01) in supplemented groups than control. SCC was significantly (P≤0.01) lowered in T3 group. Thus, in the present study Se yeast and vitamin E supplementation to Murrah buffaloes had non significant effect on DMI, TDN, DCP intake and milk yield, where as milk SNF and lactose percent was significantly increased with reduction in SCC in the supplemented group.

Effect of Supplementation of Slow Release Non-Protein Nitrogen Compound on the Lactation of Cows

A feeding trial to study the effect of slow release non-protein nitrogen compound was conducted for 180 days in twelve early lactating Gir and crossbred cows that were divided into two equal groups viz., T0 (Control) and T1 (treatment). T0 received farm made concentrate mixture and T1 received concentrate mixture containing 1% SRNPN (Slow release non-protein nitrogen compound). The animals in both the groups were fed mixed hay as dry roughage and paragrass as green roughage. Dry matter intake in T0 and T1 was comparable. The average daily milk yield, 4% FCM yield, TDN and DCP intake of cows inT1 was significantly (P less than 0.01) higher than T0. The efficiency in terms of DM, TDN and DCP required per kg FCM were significantly (P less than 0.01) better in T1 than T0. The specific gravity, milk protein, solids not fat, total solids and total ash contents of milk were comparable in both the experimental groups, however, the average milk fat percentage in T1 was significantly (P less than 0.01) higher than T0. Digestibility coefficients of all the nutrients were higher in SR-NPN supplemented group than SR-NPN non-supplemented feed. Profit realized per day over feed cost per cow was higher in T1 (Rs.108.34) than T0 (Rs. 90.29). It can be inferred that efficient utilization of poor quality roughages, better productivity and higher profit margin can be achieved by inclusion of SR-NPN at 1 percent level in the concentrate mixture of lactating cows.