Gusha J., Manyuchi C.R., Imbayarwo-Chikosi V.E., Hamandishe V.R., Katsande S., Zvinorova P.I.
University of Zimbabwe, Paraclinical Veterinary Studies, P.O Box MP167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Makoholi Research Station, P Bag 9182, Masvingo, Zimbabwe; Department of Animal science, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP167, Mt. Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe
Gusha, J., University of Zimbabwe, Paraclinical Veterinary Studies, P.O Box MP167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Manyuchi, C.R., Makoholi Research Station, P Bag 9182, Masvingo, Zimbabwe; Imbayarwo-Chikosi, V.E., Department of Animal science, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP167, Mt. Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Hamandishe, V.R., Department of Animal science, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP167, Mt. Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Katsande, S., University of Zimbabwe, Paraclinical Veterinary Studies, P.O Box MP167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Zvinorova, P.I., University of Zimbabwe, Paraclinical Veterinary Studies, P.O Box MP167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe
The effects of supplementing crossbred cows with non-conventional protein sources on dry matter intake, milk yield parameters and economic returns were investigated. Twenty-five lactating F1 Holstein-Mashona crossbreds averaging 115±24 days in milk were used. Five treatments, total mixed ration (TMR), urea-treated maize stover, untreated maize stover, Macroptilium atropurpureum (Siratro) hay and veld hay, were randomly assigned to cows and replicated five times in a completely randomised design. Nutrient composition, intake, milk yield and economic returns were determined. M. atropurpureum hay, urea-treated maize stover and TMR had equal crude protein content. Daily dry matter intake and yield differed significantly among the treatment diets (P <0.05). Cows on TMR, urea-treated maize stover and M. atropurpureum consumed more (P <0.05) than cows on untreated maize stover and veld hay. Supplementing with TMR, urea-treated maize stover and M. atropurpureum hay increased (P <0.05) milk yields. Mean daily milk yield was highest for cows supplemented with urea-treated maize stover. Percent fat, protein and total solids in milk from cows fed urea-treated stover compared favourably to that of milk for cows supplemented with TMR. Income over supplement cost was highest for cows supplemented with M. atropurpureum hay and urea-treated maize stover. Urea-treated maize stover and M. atropurpureum can therefore be used as a replacer protein supplements for dairy cattle in Zimbabwe. © Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht 2013.
urea; animal; animal disease; animal food; article; cattle; chemistry; controlled clinical trial; controlled study; dairying; diet; diet supplementation; economics; Fabaceae; female; lactation; maize; metabolism; physiology; plant stem; protein intake; randomized controlled trial; Zimbabwe; Animal Feed; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Cattle; Dairying; Diet; Dietary Proteins; Dietary Supplements; Fabaceae; Female; Lactation; Plant Stems; Urea; Zea mays; Zimbabwe