Utilization of Unconventional Feeds in the Ration of Lactating Cows

Abstract

A 3 x 3 latin square design with 8 weeks period was followed. In one such square three lactating Kankerj cows were used. In all the three treatments T₁ control (no byproduct); T1, 30 per cent Ivel of byproducts (15% mango seed kernals, 5% Cassia tora to seeds, 5% Prosopis juliflora pods and 5% sea weeds) and T3, 60 per cent level of by. products (30% mango seeds kernels, 10% Cassia tora seeds, 10% Prosopis juliflora pods and 10% sea weeds) were used in the concentrate mixtures. Studies revealed that incorporation of byproducts mixture at 30 and 60 per cent level has no adverse effect on milk pro-duction and composition. Feeding of byproducts mixture at 30 and 60 per cent level concetnrate mixtures was 12 and 10 per cent more economical respectively as compared to control. However, the differences were found to be nonsignificant. Looking to the over all results it can be suggested that byproducts up to 30% level (15% mango seed kernels, 5% Cassia tora seeds, 5% Prosopis juliflora pods and 5% sea weeds) can be incorporated as per availability in concentrate mixtures for low producing lactating cows. Extensive studies using large number of animals and longer period will be more useful.