Effect of Phase-feeding on Milk Production, Milk Composition, Nutrient Utilization and Haematobiochemical Constituents in Lactating Crossbred Cattle

Lactating crossbred cows (n=12) in early-lactation were divided into two groups of six each and used to assess the effect of phase feeding on milk production, milk composition, nutrient utilization and haemato-biochemical constituents. The feeding trial was divided into two phases i.e. phase 1 (0–60 days) and phase 2 (61–120 days). During phase 1, cows of group I were provided high energy ration (60% TDN and 13% CP), whereas cows of group II were provided low energy ration (55% TDN and 13% CP). During phase 2, both the groups of cows were fed low energy ration. The diets were fed as total mixed ration consisting of concentrate mixture, wheat straw and mixed green fodder. During phase 1, digestibility coefficients of CP, EE, NFE, NDF and ADF were significantly (P<0.05) higher in group I as compared to the group II. The total DM intake in both the groups was statistically similar in phase 1 and 2. During phase 1, the average milk yield was significantly (P<0.05) higher in group I as compared to group II, whereas the average milk yield during phase 2 did not differ significantly (P>0.05) between the two groups. During phase 1, protein, ash and SNF contents of milk were significantly (P<0.05) higher in group II as compared to group I, whereas there was no significant difference in milk constituents except for total solids content was apparent during phase 2. The net energetic efficiency for milk production and gross and net efficiency of nitrogen utilization for milk production during phase 1 were significantly (P<0.05) higher in cows of group II as compared to group I while there were no significant difference between the groups in these parameters during phase 2. It was concluded that phase feeding with variable concentration of energy increases the milk yield and digestibility as well as intake of nutrients in lactating crossbred cows where high energy diet was fed during 0–60 days followed by low energy diet during the next 60 days.