Effect of Feeding Formaldehyde Treated Guar Meal on Milk Production in Crossbred Cows

Feeding trial using formaldehyde treated guar meal was conducted on 22 crossbred (HF x Jersey) cows. Cows yielding 12–14 kg milk per animal per day were divided into two groups of eleven each, based on milk yield, fat % and stage of lactation. Animals in both groups were fed similar standard ration, comprising 10.0 kg green lucerne and 6.0 kg bajra stover. Concentrate mixture was given according to level of milk production. In addition to basal ration, animals in control group were fed 1.0 kg untreated guar meal (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) and in experimental group 1.0 kg formaldehyde treated guar meal (76.72 per cent protection of CP). Average increase in milk yield (kg), fat and protein percent in experimental group compared to control were 0.90, 0.20 and 0.20 respectively. Increase in milk yield and fat percent were significantly (p<0.05) higher, however, no significant effect was observed on the level of protein percent in milk. Average net daily income increased by Rs. 8.60 on feeding 1.0 kg treated guar meal in lactating cows. In the present study, supplementation of 1.0 kg treated guar meal in the ration of milch cows was economical, compared to untreated guar meal.