Nutrient Utilisation by Milch Cattle Fed on Rations Containing Artificially Grown Fodder

Artificially grown fodder (AGF) Versus NB-21 was used (10 kg/day) as a constituent in the ration of cross-bred (Ongole x Holstein) milch cows and voluntary feed intake, digestibility of nutrients and quality and quantity of milk yield were studied. The DMI was similar in the groups, the digestibilities of DM, OM, NFE (P<0.05), CF and NFE (P<0.01) were significantly higher in animals fed with AGF. An increase of 7.8 per cent in milk production, 9.3 per cent in FCM and 10.5 per cent in fat yield was observed on ration containing AGF. The DM required per kg milk production was reduced by 11.6 per cent while the cost of feed per kg milk production was increased by 20 per cent on the ration containing AGF. Being superior fodder than NB-21, AGF could be a good feed component of high yielding cows stationed in hilly areas.