Effect of Feeding Different Levels of Cereal Green Fodder on the Performance of Crossbred Cows

Sixteen lactating crossbred cows in early stage of lactation were divided in to four groups of four animals each on the basis of body weight and milk yield and randomly allotted to four dietary treatments viz. T1: no green fodder, T2, T3 and T4 with 10, 20 and 40 kg maize green fodder, respectively. All the animals were offered wheat straw ad libitum with concentrate mixture as per requirement. The daily DMI and TDN intake was significantly (P<0.05) higher in cows under T₄ as compared to those under T₂ or T₁. However, TDN consumption between T₄ and T₃ groups was similar. No significant differences were observed in water consumption among the groups. The average digestibility of DM, OM, CP and NFE were comparable among the treatments. However, digestibility of CF and EE were significantly (P<0.05) higher in T₄ group (60.15 and 72.37 per cent) as compared to T₁ (53.55 and 65.79 per cent). The daily milk yield and fat percent were significantly (P<0.05) higher in T₄ than in T₃, T₂ and T₁ cows. Similar trends were also observed in case of SNF and total solids in milk. The 4% FCM yield was significantly (P<0.05) higher in T₄ than in T₃, T₂ and T₁ groups. Further, 4% FCM yield in T₃ group was significantly (P<0.05) higher as compared to T₁ group. Similar trend was also followed for SCM yield. The post partum oestrus, service period and number of service per conception were not influenced by the treatments. It may be concluded that feeding of green maize to crossbred cows at 40 kg/day into nutrient utilization and milk production.