Effect of different levels of energy and protein on performance of lactating malnad gidda cows

The study was conducted to determine the effect of different levels of energy and protein on performance of Malnad Gidda (MG) cows. Six lactating MG cows (Av. BW; 134 kg; milk yield 1.8 kg/day) were divided into three groups of two cows each in experiment based on switch over design comprising of three periods and allocated one of the following treatments; T₁ was fed 100 % of the requirement according to ICAR (2013), T₂ was fed 10 % more than T₁, and T₃ was fed 20 % more than T₁. The experimental cows were offered daily with 2.5 kg paddy straw, 3 kg hybrid Napier and concentrates (based on milk yield) to meet the requirement. There was a significant difference in body weight and body condition change between the groups. The total DMI in all the groups were similar and the ratio of roughage and concentrates of the diet was 52:48, 51:49 and 48:52 in groups T₁, T₂ and T ₃, respectively. There was no significant difference in the nutrients intake and digestibility among the groups, however all the cows were in positive nitrogen balance and per cent of N-retention was significantly (P<0.01) higher in T₃ followed by T₁ and T₂ groups. The 4 % FCM yield (kg/d) was 2.26, 2.27 and 2.44 in groups T₁, T₂ and T₃, respectively and the difference was non-significant. Composition of milk was also similar among the groups. It was concluded from this study that dry matter consumption in Malnad Gidda cows ranged from 3.6 to 3.9% body weight and feeding as per ICAR (2013) is sufficient to maintain optimum milk production.