Evaluation of Paddy Straw and Non-Forage Fibre Based Complete Feeds Containing Different Levels of Neutral Detergent Fibre for Lactating Dairy Cows

A study of six-months duration was conducted to assess the effect of different levels of NDF in paddy straw based complete feeds on nutrient utilization and production performance of cows in early(phase I) and mid-lactation (phase II) periods. Three iso-nitrogenous and iso-caloric complete rations, T1, T2 and T3 with 25, 30 and 35 per cent NDF, respectively, were formulated with paddy straw being the sole source of roughage NDF. Eighteen dairy cows within two weeks of calving were divided into three groups of six each, and allotted randomly to the three experimental rations. The average daily DMI by the cows of the three groups remained similar (P<0.05). The average daily milk yield was also similar (P<0.05) among the groups; however, cows fed on ration T3 attained peak yield earlier and remained in the peak for a longer duration as compared to the cows on T2 and T1. It could also be seen that the animals in T3 group had a lower GE intake per kg of milk produced than cows of T2 group. Among the dietary treatments, ration containing 35% NDF was the best ration. These results suggest that complete rations with 25 to 35% NDF, containing paddy straw as the sole source of roughage NDF, with the rest of NDF being met from non-forage sources, can be recommended for use among early-and midlactation dairy cows.