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Milk production efficiency of Friesian cows fed different levels of seaweeds and algae
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Abstract: Twenty five lactating Friesian cows averaged 520 kg live body weight were assigned to evaluate the effect of supplementation of lactating Friesian cows with two levels from seaweed (dietary supplements) and algae (water supplements) on milk production efficiency. Cows were divided equally into five experimental groups and fed the same basal ration but differed in feed additives. Cows in the 1st group (T1) were fed a basal ration containing concentrate feed mixture (CFM), berseem and rice straw (control). Cows in the 2nd (T2) and 3rd (T3) groups were fed the basal ration supplemented with 50 and 100 g seaweed/h/d, respectively. While, those in the 4th (T4) and 5th (T5) groups were fed the basal ration which treated with 5 and 10 ml algae/h/d, respectively. Feeding period lasted for 145 days. One digestibility trial using 15 lactating Friesian cows, three in each group was conducted to determine nutrient digestibility coefficients and feeding values. Rumen and blood parameters, feed utilization and economic efficiency were also studied. Results showed that cows fed rations supplemented with both levels of seaweed or algae improved (P<0.05) most nutrient digestibility coefficients and feeding values as total digestible nutrients (TDN), digestible crude protein (DCP) or starch value (SV) as well as rumen and blood parameters. Milk yield as a actual milk yield, 4% fat corrected milk, total yields of fat and protein in milk, feed efficiency and economic efficiency were the highest (P<0.05) for cows in T4.
In the light of the present study, greater beneficial effects on the performance of lactating cows were found with improved economic efficiency of milk production, especially those treated with 5 ml Algae/h/d was detected.
Keywords: Friesian cows, seaweed, algae, digestibility, milk yield, blood
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| Publication year |
2008
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| Pages |
159-169
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| Availability location |
معهد بحوث الانتاج الحيوانى-شارع نادى الصيد- الدقى - الجيزة
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| Availability number |
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| Organization Name |
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| serial title |
Egyptian Journal of Animal Production
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| ISSN |
0302-4520
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| Author(s) from ARC |
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| Agris Categories |
Animal feeding
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AGROVOC
TERMS |
Algae.
Blood.
Cows.
Digestibility.
Milk production.
Seaweeds.
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| Publication Type |
Journal
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