EFFECT OF TWO DIFFERENT TOTAL MIXED RATIONS (TMR) ON THE PRODUCTION PERFORMANCE OF MILKING COWS

Abstract

A major constraint faced by dairy farmers in intermediate zone is the severe drop in body condition score and milk production in dry periods due to scarcity of quality feeds. A study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of an introduced total mixed ration (iTMR) vs the grass based existing total mixed ration (eTMR) on the production performances of milking cows. Eighteen, Frisian x Jersey crossbred lactating cows were randomly assigned into two treatments with three replicates each (T1: eTMR and T2: iTMR), in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Daily feed intake, milk yield and live weight of animals were recorded. Results showed that, crude protein and ether extract contents in iTMR were higher (P < 0.05) than eTMR. Average milk yield was higher (P < 0.05) in the cows fed with iTMR compared to eTMR. The average solid non-fat (SNF), milk fat and protein contents were significantly greater (p < 0.05) in iTMR fed group compared to eTMR fed group. The cost-benefit analysis suggested that iTMR fed cows contributed to a high income compared to those fed with the eTMR. Findings of this study showed that iTMR formulated using locally available ingredients is cost effective which enables profit maximization.