The Effect of the Use of Coconut Husk on Performance, Blood Metabolites, Electrolytes, and Full Blood Counts of Brahman Cross Cattle

Abstract

The study aimed was to determine the effect of utilization coconut husk on blood metabolites and electrolytes of Brahman cross cattle. Sixteen Brahman cross beef cattle were used in the study. Four treatments, including R0, R1, R3, and R4 was applied in the study, and that every treatment consisted of four replications. The rations were made up of iso-protein and iso-energy, with 11% crude protein and 66% gross digestible nutrients. The treatment used was complete feed R1: fermented coconut husk supplementation of 15%, R2: supplementation of fermented coconut husk of 20%, R3: supplementation of fermented coconut husk of 25%, R4: 30% fermented coconut husk supplementation. This experiment was conducted for 90 days of treatment. The consumption of dry matter, organic matter, crude fiber, and crude protein were observed during the study. The digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude fiber, and crude protein were also observed during the experiment. Blood metabolites and electrolytes, and blood counts were all determined. The intake, digestibility, and average daily gain were superior at cattle fed with R2. Blood metabolites, electrolytes, and blood counts were not substantially different (P > 0.05) between the treatment groups. Overall, coconut husk may be used to replace rice straw for Brahman cross cattle.