Production and economic performance of F1-crossbred dairy cattle fed non-conventional protein supplements in Zimbabwe

Abstract

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.

Management practices and constraints of beef cattle production in communal areas of Mpumalanga Province, South Africa

“…Some also reported a long calving interval due to a low bull:cow ratio and poor nutrition. In a study by Nqeno Gusha et al (2014) reported heifer mating ages of between 18 and 27 months in Zimbabwe. Contrary to these findings, Tada et al (2013) found that most heifers in the Eastern Cape had a calf before reaching four years of age.…”

Effect of feeding cactus-legume silages on nitrogen retention, digestibility and microbial protein synthesis in goats

“…Acacia angusitissima, Leuceana leucocephala, and Calliandra calothyrsus are browse legumes, while Macroptilium atropuprium is a forage legume that have been extensively promoted for use in small scale dairying and communal livestock production (Masama et al, 1997;Ngongoni et al, 2006;Baloyi et al, 2009;Chakoma, 2012;Zvinorova et al, 2013). These legume forages have high crude protein and minerals especially calcium and phosphorus (Gusha et al, 2014). However, these forages have a significant amount of anti-nutritional factors which sometimes limit their utilisation (Masama et al, 1997;Baloyi et al, 2009).…”

Nutritional value, performance, feeding behavior and serum biochemical profile of sheep fed with alfalfa hay replacing Bermuda grass ( Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.) hay

“…This demonstrates a quality, not only of proteins, in providing tissue growth, but also a higher digestion ability of their carbohydrates, also indicating the capacity of reducing the amount of concentrated proteins (soybean meal) and mineral sources in feed with the substitution (Table 1). The legume forages have high CP and minerals especially Ca and P (Gusha et al, 2014). Gusha et al (2013) reported that legumes have demonstrated in in vitro and in vivo digestibility studies that they can be used as protein supplements.…”