Effect of Different Levels of Asparagus Root Powder Supplementation on Body Weight and Milk Composition of Lactating Crossbred Cows

Abstract

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of supplement feeding of Shatavari root powder (Asparagus racemosus) on milk composition and body weight of Holstein Friesian lactating crossbred cows. Fifteen lactating crossbred cows were selected and divided into three groups; T1 (control), T2 and T3 (treatment) of five animals each on the basis of nearness in their body weight and milk yield in completely randomized design. In T1 no Shatavari was supplemented while in T2 and T3 Shatavari was supplemented @ 150 mg and 200 mg/kg body weight, respectively. The study was conducted for a period of 90 days. Milk composition of each animal was determined once every fortnight. Results indicated that the Shatavari root powder supplementation had significant (P<0.05) effect on milk fat, SNF, total solid, lactose and protein percent. The increase in body weight gain was significantly (P<0.05) higher in the treatment groups than the control group. The result showed that supplementing shatavari to the diet of crossbred cows enhanced body weight and improved milk composition.