Nutrient utilization, balances of Ca, P and N in lactating crossbred cows fed berseem fodder based total mixed ration containing different levels of energy and protein

A metabolism trial was conducted on 12 crossbred cows (Karan Fries) assess the nutritive value of berseem based total mixed ration (having dilferent levels of energy and protein) in items of DCP, TDN and balances of Cn, P and N in lactating animals. They were randomly distributed into 3 groups of 4 each. The animals were offered berseem based TMR with energy and protein levels (%) as 55, 10 (group 1); 60, 12 (group 2) and 65, 14 (group 3) respectively. The feeding was done ad lib. The results indicated signiificantly higher digestibility of CP in group3 as compared to groups 1 and 2.The digestibility of CF was significantly higher (P&ltO.O5) in groups 1 and 3 as compared to group 2. The animal of group 3 also showed significantly higher digestibility of NFE as compared to group 1 . 'The digestibility coefficients of various proximate principles and NDF ranged from 59.7 to 78.6% indicating by and large a highly digestible nature of various nutrients of TMR. There was no significant difTerence with respect to TDN among the 3 groups. In spite of assumed levels of 55.60 and 65% in the 3 groups, the actual levels obtained ranged from 60.72 to 63.71%. The nutritive ratio ranged from 4.53 to 8.00 in 3 groups, being highest io group 1 and lowest in group 3. N-retained (g/100 kg BW) was significantly higher (P&lt0.01) in group 3 followed by group 2 and lowest in group 1. Ca and P retained (g/1OOkg BW) was significantly higher (P&lt0.01) in group 3 as compared to groups 1 and 2. The higher retention of Ca in the animals of group 3 may be due to the higher content of CR in the TMR of these animals, higher DMI and the less losses through faeces. Milk yield was significantly higher (P&ltO.05) in groups 2 and 3 as compared to group 1. In milk composition TS, SNF and NPN were significantly higher (P&lt0.05) in group 1 as compared to groups 2 and 3, whereas the protein content in the milk was significantly higher (p&lt0.01) in group 3 as compared to groups 1 and 2. The higher retention of Ca in the animals of group 3 may be due to the higher content of Ca in the TMR of these animals, higher DMI and the less losses through faeces. Milk yield was significantly higher (P&lt0.05) in groups 2 and 3 as compared to group 1. In milk composition TS, SNF and NPN were significantly higher (P&lt0.05) in group 1 as compared to groups 2 and 3, whereas the protein content in the milk was significantly higher (P&lt0.01) in group 3 as compared to groups 1 and 2.