Vol. 9, Issue 1, Part P (2024)

Author(s): SG Narale, GM Gadegaonkar, BN Ramteke, NR Karambele, PM Kapale, SY Shirale, AP Dhok and Karnsai Pawankar

Abstract: The experiment involved eighteen crossbred cows (Gir x Holstein Friesian and Gir x Jersey), divided into three equal groups of six each: T₀, T₁, and T₂. The control group, T₀, received the standard concentrate mixture based on the farm's routine practice. Treatment group T₁ was provided with the same concentrate mixture as T₀ but supplemented with bypass protein, replacing an equivalent amount of concentrate mixture at a rate of 500 g per animal per day. Treatment group T₂, in addition to the T₁ diet, received supplementation with bypass fat at a rate of 100 g per animal per day. The trial spanned thirteen weeks. Results indicated that the average dry matter intake (DMI) of cows from the treatment groups was significantly higher (p<0.01) compared to the control group. The T₂ group exhibited the highest average daily milk yield and FCM yield, significantly outperforming both the T₁ group and the control group (p<0.01). Moreover, the average nutrient intake, feed efficiency of milk production, and milk composition, particularly in terms of fat content, were significantly higher (p<0.01) in the T₂ group compared to the control group. The average body condition score (BCS) also showed a significant increase (p<0.01) in the treatment groups. Economically, the study revealed a net extra profit of Rs. 11.60 and Rs. 16.20 in groups T₁ and T₂, respectively, over the control group. These findings underscore the positive impact of supplementing bypass protein and fat on the overall performance, milk production, and economic returns in crossbred cows.