Effect of bypass fat supplementation on productive and reproductive performance of crossbred cows

Objective of this study was to examine the effects of dietary bypass fat supplementation on the productive and reproductive performance of lactating cattle. Eighteen lactating crossbred (Holstein Friesian × Haryana × Sahiwal) cattle yielding 14±2.0 kg milk per day and 10-15 days in milk were divided into three groups on the basis of milk yield and parity. Group T₁ was fed control diet. Concentrate mixture in group T₂ was added with 2.15 % vegetable oil while that of T₃ was supplemented with 2.5% bypass fat. The DMI was similar in all 3 groups. Digestibility of dry matter, ether extract and organic matter were significantly (P<0.05) higher in group T₃. Digestible fat, organic matter and TDN intake were significantly (P<0.05) more in group T₃. Average daily milk production was higher by 8.72% in group T₂ and 18.02% in group T₃ as compared group T₁. Average daily 4% fat corrected milk production in group T₃ was 21.37% higher than in group T₁. Fat content in milk was higher (P<0.05) in group T₃ than T ₂ and T ₁, however, milk protein content remained unaffected. Bypass fat in the diet had positive effect on reproductive parameters. Net return over feed cost of 4% FCM yield was 30.37% higher in group T₃. It was concluded that supplementation of diet with bypass fat in early lactating crossbred cows increased milk and milk fat yield leading to higher net returns.