An On-Farm Study for Feeding Impact of Total Mixed Ration (TMR) in Milking Cow

Aims: To compare the compatibility of maize stover based Total Mixed Ration (TMR) over conventional feeding in terms of dry matter intake, milk production and composition and economic outcome from cows.

Study Design: CRD.

Place and Duration of Study: This field trial was carried out for a period of 60 days on 10 early lactating Holstein Friesian crossbred cows belonging to the farmers of Sirajgonj district.

Methodology: Cows were divided into two homogenous groups considering lactation status and yield. In control (T0) group, cows were provided conventional feeds comprising of 20.0 kg Napier grass, 5.0 kg paddy straw, 2 kg pelleted feed and 10.0 kg concentrate mixture (composed of 5 kg wheat bran, 2 kg pulse bran, 2 kg red gram bran and 1.0 kg oil cake), while in another group (T1), cows were fed TMR comprising of maize stover and concentrate with 50:50 proportions, according to their nutrient requirements. The DM and CP contents in concentrate mixture of T0 and T1 were 90.33% and 15.6% and 38.01% and 16.7%, respectively. The data were analyzed by "SPSS 20.0" statistical program.

Result: Fresh feed intakes were significantly (P<0.001) higher in T0 (37.4±0.008) than those of animals in T1; CP intakes were significantly (P=0.008) higher in T1 (1.60±0.02). Differences were not significant (P=0.07) in case of DMI and DMI on %live weight between two treatment groups. Milk yield and fat content significantly (P=0.05) differed between groups. Highest milk yield (9.99±0.07 kg) and milk fat (3.62±0.06%) were observed in cows of T1. However, milk protein, lactose and SNF did not vary significantly between groups. Considering milk price @BDT 60.0/ltr, profit gained maximum in T1 group.

Conclusion: TMR improved substantial amount of milk yield and quality with concurrent reduction of milk production cost.