Economics of Supplementing Rumen Protected Methionine and Lysine in the Ration of Lactating Crossbred Cows

Ojective of this study was to investigate the effect of supplementing rumen protected methionine (RPM) and lysine (RPL) on milk production, composition and nutrient utilization in crossbred cows (Bos taurus × Bos indicus). Eighteen crossbred cows were selected and divided into two groups (9 each) on the basis of most probable production ability (MPPA) and lactation number. Animals in control group (G-1; MPPA 4119 kg) were fed chopped wheat straw, chaffed green maize fodder and concentrate mixture as per requirements (NRC, 2001). However, animals in supplemented group (G-2; MPPA 4120 kg) were fed same ration as control group plus 7 g RPM and 60 g RPL. The experimental period started from 30 days before expected date of parturition to 120 days post parturition. Net return over feed cost of milk yield per animal per day in groups G-1 and G-2 was Rs. 192.1 and 215.8, respectively, indicating that it was higher by Rs. 23.7 in group G-2 over that of group G-1. The feed cost (Rs.) per kg FCM produced was Rs. 10.94 and Rs. 10.92 respectively, in group G-1 and G-2 and cost benefit ratio was also similar (1.08) in both the groups. The net return from supplementation was markedly higher by 12.30% than that of the control ration. The net profit in 120 days from 9 cows on supplementation of rumen protected methionine and lysine was Rs. 25544.6. Thus, supplementing rumen protected methionine and lysine in the ration of high yielding lactating cows during early lactation was cost effective.