Effect of by-pass fat supplementation on the performance of Sahiwal dairy cows

Abstract

Present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of by-pass fat supplementation on milk production, composition and weight gain in Sahiwal cows. Twelve dairy cows of same parity, stage of lactation, milk production level and body weight (285-360 kg) were randomly allotted to four treatments (T0, T1, T2 and T3) in such a way that each group had three animals under Completely Randomized Design. The animals received 250, 350 and 450 g of bypass fat supplementation in T1, T2 and T3 whilst animals in T0 served as control group. All animals were maintained under similar managemental conditions. The data of milk production (daily/individually), milk composition and body weight were recorded weekly. Results revealed that milk production and composition differed significantly (p<0.05) in all groups. The highest milk yield was found in T2 (10.45±0.53 kg) and the lowest (6.93±0.53 kg) in control group that was without by-pass fat supplementation. The T2 and T3 differed non-significantly (p<0.05) for milk yield and composition. Bypass fat did not affect the body weight gain significantly (p<0.05) in all groups. The milk cost showed significant differences in all treatments. The lowest cost (Pak Rs. 32.20±2.37) was shown in T2 and the highest (Pak Rs.46.14±2.37) in T3 group. It is concluded that 250 g was the optimum amount of bypass fat supplementation to produce milk economically with high fat percentage.