Effect of Protein-Vitamin Mineral Feed Additive on Exchange Processes in the Organism of Repair Heifers During the Growing Period

Abstract

The results of the effect of a protein-vitamin mineral feed additive (PVMA) developed on the basis of extruded fodder beans, rapeseed, barley grain and macro- and microelements (Sulfur, Zinc, Cobalt, Iodine), vitamins (A, D) that are deficient for the western region on physiological and biochemical status, growth and development of repair heifers (0–6 months of age) during the transition to vegetable feed and the formation of a rumen type of digestion. Combined feed-starter, which was fed to heifers of the control group, included sunflower cake, barley, wheat, oat flour, dry skimmed milk, grass clippings, chalk, table salt and standard premix P 63-2-89. PVMFA was fed to the heifers of the research group as part of the combined feed-starter in quantity 40% by weight instead of 20% sunflower cake, twice a day, starting from 20 days of age. In addition, the heifers of the experimental group additionally received sodium humate at the rate of 20 mg/kg of live weight. It was found that in the rumen content of 3- and 6-month-old heifers of the experimental group, the number of amylolytic bacteria probably increased by 7.3% and 13.6%, respectively; at 6 months, a 10.5% higher concentration of cellulolytic microorganisms was noted, as well as 18.6% number of ciliates and a probable increase in the amount of RNA phosphorus compared to control analogues was noted. The introduction of the experimental variant of PVMFA into the combined fodder-starter of the heifers of the research group contributed to an increase of hemoglobin content in blood in the 3-month age by 3.13%, total lipids – by 14.3%, AST activity – by 11.43%. In 6 months age, there was an increase in total protein content by 6.0 (Р<0.001) and a decrease in the level of urea by 25.6% (Р<0.001) compared to the control. Feeding experimental PVMFA had a positive effect on live weight gain. The average daily gains of experimental animals amounted to 726 g and were 11.2% higher than those of control animals (653 g).