Authors : M.C. Muya, F.V. Nherera, T. Khekana and T. Ramapuputla
Abstract: This study was done to evaluate the effects of restricting Total Mixed Ration (TMR) and supplying Eragrostis curvula and Medicago sativa hay mixture adlib on lactation performance of mid-lactation multiparous Holstein cows. Twenty Holstein cows, averaging 598±73 kg body weight and 100 days in milk were assigned to either a 100% TMR diet (control) or a 75% TMR-restricted diet. Cows on the 75% TMR-restricted diet had adlib access to E. curvula and M. sativa hay mixture (1:1). The experiment included 2 weeks adaptation period and 4 weeks sampling period. Cows were milked twice daily. Total Dry Matter Intake (DMI), DMI as BW%, daily CP intake and intake of net energy for lactation were higher (p<0.05) for cows on the 100% TMR than for cows on the 75% TMR. Cows in 75% TMR consumed 12.5% less total DM and 14.2% less kg DM as of BW% than cows in 100% TMR. Intake of NDF was not affected (p>0.05) by treatment. Milk yield, milk fat% and yield (kg day-1) did not differ between treatments and averaged 29.2 kg day-1, 3.70% and 1.08 kg, respectively. Feed efficiency ranged from 1.22-1.37 and tended to be higher (p<0.10) with 75% TMR diet. Efficiency of nitrogen and phosphorous utilisation was not affected (p>0.05) by treatments. Results suggest that TMR restriction to 75% during mid-lactation does not negatively impact milk production.
M.C. Muya, F.V. Nherera, T. Khekana and T. Ramapuputla, 2011. Lactation Performance of Multiparous Holstein Cows Fed a Restricted Total Mixed Ration Plus Legume and Grass Hay Mixture. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 10: 1779-1784.