Effects of molasses at different levels in concentrate supplement on milk constituents and blood metabolites of dairy cows grazing Setaria grass (Setaria sphacelata) pasture in Fiji
2007
Tamani, E.V.,Ministry of Agriculture, Sugar and Land Resettlement, Nasouri (Fiji). Koronivia Research Station | Aregheore, E.M.,The Univ. of the South Pacific, Apia (Samoa). Animal Science Dept. | Manueli, P.,Secretariat of the Pacific Community, Suva (Fiji). Animal Health and Production Div.
The effect of molasses at different levels in concentrate supplement on voluntary dry matter intake, milk yield, milk constituents and blood metabolites of cows grazing Setaria grass pastures was investigated using thirty Friesian cows, allotted to five dietary treatments in a completely randomized design experiment. Experimental treatments were forage alone (T1); and forage + concentrate mixtures with molasses included at 0, 5, 10 or 15% levels (T2, T3, T4 and T5, respectively). Total dry matter intakes were significantly higher in the groups T2 - T5 than in T1 cows. Average milk yields among the treatments were significantly different from each other. The different diets used had no effect on milk fat and protein concentrations. However, these components were significantly lower in the pre-experimental than in the experimental period. Dietary treatments and period led to significantly higher levels of blood glucose, whereas blood urea-N was not affected by the treatments. Data on voluntary dry matter intake, milk yield and milk constituents suggest that milk yield could be modulated by molasses levels in the diet. In conclusion, the 10% level seems to be the best and therefore it is recommended for inclusion in the concentrate mixtures of lactating dairy cows on a basal diet of Setaria sphacelata.
Show more [+] Less [-]AGROVOC Keywords
Bibliographic information
This bibliographic record has been provided by Library of Antonin Svehla