Evaluating benefits of concentrate supplementation in peripartum crossbred cows

Twelve Jersey crossbred cows were selected for a on-farm study in completely randomized design to exemplify the effects of pre and post-partum concentrate supplementation on calf birth weight, milk production and composition and post-partum resumption of ovarian cyclicity. Along with Paddy straw (4 kilograms/cow/day) and green grass (35 kilograms/cow/day) and daily farm allowance of concentrate mixture (2.0 kg/cow/day; regarded as control group - 6 cows), extra amount (500 g) of concentrate supplementation was done in supplemented group (6 cows) using wheat bran (44%), groundnut oil cake (44%), common salt (4%) and dicalcium phosphate (8%). Results revealed that calf birth weight was 11% higher (p=0.26) in supplemented group compared to control group. Milk yield was recorded 49% higher (p=0.001) in supplemented cows than control cows. Among the milk constituents, only milk protein was found significantly (p=0.0001) higher in cows received concentrate supplementation than cows without concentrate supplementation. Moreover, the post-partum heat period was found significantly (p=0.014) lower in supplemented group than control group and 83.33% cow in this group returned to heat within 60 days post-partum which was nil in control group. In conclusion, offering superfluous concentrates (25% of total concentrate) during pre and post-partum had positive impact on milk yield, milk protein and post-partum heat period.