Cowpea Green Fodder as a Concentrate Substitute: Effects on Milk Yield and Composition in Lactating Ongole Cows

Abstract:

The study evaluated the effect of different green-fodder-based diets on dry matter intake, milk yield and milk composition of lactating Ongole cows. Eighteen cows were randomly allotted to three groups of six animals each. Cows in T1 received 10 kg Hybrid Napier, 6 kg paddy straw and 2 kg concentrate; T2 received 15 kg Hybrid Napier, 6 kg paddy straw and 1 kg concentrate; and T3 received 15 kg Hybrid Napier, 6 kg paddy straw and 5 kg cowpea green fodder per cow daily. Following a 15-day adaptation period, the feeding trial continued for 90 days. Total dry matter intake was 9.67, 9.90 and 9.95 kg/cow/day in T1, T2 and T3, respectively. Mean daily milk yield was 2.79, 2.36 and 2.70 L in T1, T2 and T3, with no significant treatment difference. Milk fat, protein, solids-not-fat and lactose also did not differ significantly, although all were numerically highest in T3. Cowpea green fodder could therefore replace concentrate partially without materially reducing milk production in Ongole cows.