Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Agricultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
The present study was carried out to determine the effect of feeding different levels of wet brewers grains (WBG) on lactation performance of Jersey cross bred cows. Lactation and feeding wet brewer’s grain feed trail was conducted in sixty lactating cross bred Jersey cow for 120 days and effect of milk production and milk composition and economics were studied. Sixty cows were randomly selected for three treatment groups with four replicates and five cows each. The nutrient requirements calculated were according to Indian Council Agriculture Research (1998) and experimental feeds were formulated dietary inclusion Brewer’s grain 0 % (T1 Control group) 10 % (T2) and 20% (T3) ration dry matter replacing the cow feed experimental diet were fed with the cow feed twice daily, morning and afternoon before milking. Required green fodder was fed four times a day to avoid wastage of feed. Data on milk yield of individual animal was recorded daily throughout the experimental period. Milk samples were collected at fortnightly intervals and were analyzed for total solids, fat and solid not fat (SNF). The result showed that there was highly significant (p< 0.01) increase on milk yield (kg per day) when brewers grain was included in the cattle ration at 20 per cent DM replacing cattle feed dry matter quantity proportionately compared to other rations (T1 and T3). Non-significant (P < 0.01) changes were recorded in milk fat (%), solid not fat (%) and total solids (%) of milk between treatment groups. The efficiencies of Milk yield (milk yield/DMI) were significantly (p < 0.05) differed compare to control group and T2 group compared to T3 The income over feed cost (
⓿ Brewers’ grains are an excellent source of high-quality by pass protein, rumen non-degradable protein (RUP), fiber and energy. It is a cheaper alternative source of feed livestock feed.
⓿ Wet brewers’ grain 20 per cent added in lactating cross bred Jersey cows ration by replacing cattle feed to increase milk yield, improve efficiency of milk production and income over feed cost.
Jersey cross breed cow, Milk composition, Milk production, Wet brewers’ grain