Production and economic performance of F1-crossbred dairy  cattle fed non-conventional protein supplements in 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.
Jacob
J
Gusha
Clive Rolex
CR
Manyuchi
Venancio Edward
VE
Imbayarwo-Chikosi
Vimbayi Rangaridzo
VR
Hamandishe
Simbarashe
S
Katsande
Plaxedis Ivy
PI
Zvinorova
D000821:Animal Feed / Q000032:analysis*; D000824:Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle / Q000502:physiology*; D003612:Dairying / Q000191:economics*; D004032:Diet / Q000662:veterinary; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000494:pharmacology*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D007887:Fabaceae / Q000737:chemistry; D005260:Female; D007774:Lactation / Q000378:metabolism; D018547:Plant Stems; D014508:Urea; D003313:Zea mays; D015030:Zimbabwe
D004044:Dietary Proteins; D014508:Urea