Influence of different dietary protein levels on milk of crossbred cows during the transition period

A study was carried out to find the influence of different dietary protein levels on milk of dairy cows during the transition period. Twenty cross bred HF cows, three weeks prior to their expected date of calving were randomly allotted to two dietary treatments - T1 (12 per cent CP (crude protein) TMR (Total Mixed Ration)) and T2 (14 per cent CP TMR). After calving, half of the animals in T1 were allotted to T3 (16 per cent CP TMR) and remaining half to T4 (18 per cent CP TMR). Similarly, half of the animals in T2 were allotted to T3 and remaining half to T4. All these rations were iso-caloric. The feeding trial was carried out for a period of 21 days weeks prepartum and 45 days postpartum. Results revealed that the milk protein was significantly higher (P<0.05) for groups receiving treatments T2 & T4. The study showed that the milk protein can be effectively improved by feeding a low dietary protein prepartum and high protein postpartum.