Comparative study of feeding complete feed block and total mixed ration as complete feed on nutrient utilization, blood biochemical profile and milk yield in crossbred cows Haloi S.*, Borah L., Bhuyan R., Saikia B.N., Requib M.1, Nath R.2, Dixit C.P.3, Singh C.D. Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary ScienceAssam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati-781022, India 1Department of Livestock Product Technology, College of Veterinary ScienceAssam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati-781022, India 2Department of Veterinary Biochemistry, College of Veterinary ScienceAssam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati-781022, India 3Department of Animal Reproduction, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, College of Veterinary ScienceAssam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati-781022, India *Corresponding author: sikhahalai@rediffmail.com
Online Published on 21 July, 2022. Abstract Haloi, S., Borah, L., Bhuyan, R., Saikia, B.N., Requib, M., Nath, R., Dixit, C.P. and Singh, C.D. 2022. Comparative study of feeding complete feed block and total mixed ration as complete feed on nutrient utilization, blood biochemical profile and milk yield in crossbred cows. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 22:167–175. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of complete feed in the form of complete feed block (CFB) and total mixed ration (TMR) on nutrient utilization, blood biochemical profile and milk yield in crossbred cows in contrast to conventional system of feeding for duration of 90 days. Eighteen crossbred cows of similar lactation period and milk yield were randomly allotted to three dietary treatments with six animals in each. Animals in the control group (CON) were provided concentrate and roughage separately. The same ration was fed as complete feed in CFB and TMR form to the animals of CF-I and CF-II groups, respectively. The ratio of roughage and concentrate (60:40) was same for all three diets. The dry matter intake and organic matter intake (kg/day, BW%, g/kg W0 75) were similar among the experimental groups. Digestibility of dry matter, organic matter and crude protein was higher in CF-I (P<0.01) and CF-II (P<0.01) groups over CON group. However, no significant difference was found in the digestibility of ether extract and acid detergent fibre (ADF). Neutral detergent fibre (NDF) digestibility was higher in CF-I (P<0.05) and CF-II (P<0.05) group than CON group. Highest milk yield (kg) was observed in CF-I (P<0.01) group. The feed conversion ratio was lower in CF-I (P<0.01) and CF-II (P<0.01) group than CON group. The feed cost per kg milk was lowest in CF-II group followed by CF-I and CON group. The results of this study revealed that feeding of CFB and TMR tended to improve the performance and milk yield of crossbred dairy cows without affecting the blood biochemical profile. Top Keywords Apparent digestibility, Complete feed block, Crossbred cows, Milk yield, Total mixed ration. Top |