Effect of supplementation of exogenous fibrolytic enzymes on milk yield and composition in early lactating crossbred dairy cows

Abstract

A study was conducted to examine the effect of supplementation of exogenous fibrolytic enzymes (EFE) carboxymethylcellulase (CMC) and xylanase (Xy) on milk yield and composition in early lactating crossbred dairy cows fed on total mixed ration (TMR). Fifteen cows within ten days of calving were selected from University Livestock Farm and Fodder Research and Development Scheme (ULF & FRDS), Mannuthy and were randomly divided into three groups. The animals were fed with isonitrogenous TMR (3.5 per cent of body weight) for a period of 90 days and the dietary treatments included; T1 offered with the control diet (TDN - 60 per cent, CP - 13 per cent), T2 offered with control diet supplemented with EFE (CMC 3500 units/kg and Xy 16000 units/kg), and T3 given a diet lower in TDN (TDN - 55 per cent) supplemented with EFE (CMC 3500 units/kg and Xy 16000 units/kg).The results of the study revealed that milk yield remained unaffected (p>0.05) with dietary treatments. Milk composition also remained similar, except for milk urea nitrogen which was lower (p<0.05) in enzyme supplemented groups. Thus, it could be inferred that EFE supplementation in cows during early lactation is more beneficial in diets with low TDN since the milk yield and milk composition of cows fed with TMR having low TDN supplemented with EFE had comparable values with those offered with TMR having higher TDN.