Effect of bypass protein on milk production of crossbred cows-a field study

On-farm lactation trials of 6 months duration each were conducted in two villages (Anagalapura and Menesi of Doddaballapur taluk of Bangalore District in Kamataka State), to study the effect of incorporating a bypass protein ingredient in the ration of crossbred cows on milk production. Crossbred cows (20 in Anagalpura and 18 in Menesi villages) yielding 8 to 10 l miik/day were divided into two equal groups based on lactation number, milk yield and stage of lactation. In both the villages, the cows in control group were fed finger millet straw, maize fodder and mixed local grass supplemented with groundnut cake (GNC) and wheat bran as practiced by the farmers. In experimental group 50% of GNC was replaced with cotton seed extraction (CSE). The milk yield and SNF in experimental group was higher (P<0.05) than in control group in Anagalapura (9.3 vs 7.6 l/d). However, in Menesi village the differences (10.5 vs 9.3 l/d) were statistically nonsignificant, though the fat and total solids in milk were higher (P<0.05) in experimental group. With supplementation of bypass protein, the fanner's income increased by Rs. 17.81 and Rs. 15.80/cow/d respectively, in Anagalapura and Menesi villages, clearly indicating that scientific intervention i.e. small alteration in the existing feeding practices could improve the performance of animals and farmer's income.