Effect of Feeding Rumen Protected Protein on Milk Production in Low Yielding Crossbred Cows

Feeding trial using bypass protein supplement was conducted on 16 low yielding crossbred (Holstein-Friesian X Jersey) cows for 8 weeks. Cows yielding 4–5 kg milk per animal per day were divided into two groups of eight each, based on milk yield, fat percentage and stage of lactation. The animals in both the groups were fed basal diet, comprising of 9.0 kg green maize fodder and 5.0 kg paddy straw. In addition to the basal ration, animals in the two groups were fed 1.0 kg each of either untreated (Control) or formaldehyde treated (Experimented) rapeseed meal (Brassica campestris). The degree of protein protection in treated rapeseed meal was 76.5 per cent of CP compared to an equivalent value of 36.3 per cent in the untreated meal. Average increase in milk yield; fat, FCM and protein content in experimental group, over control, was 0.70 kg; 0.20, 1.0 and 0.20 per cent, respectively. Increase in milk yield in experimental group compared to control group was significantly (P<0.05) higher. However, no significant effect was observed on the level of fat, FCM and protein percent in milk. Average net daily income increased by Rs.6.49 on feeding protected rapeseed meal. It is concluded that supplementation of 1.0 kg protected protein in the form of formaldehyde treated rapeseed meal in the ration of low yielding cows was found to be economical, compared to feeding similar quantity of untreated protein meal.