Short communication. Milk yield and composition, dry matter intake and blood parameters of Holstein cows fed ensiled apple pomace co-ensiled with broiler litter

Abstract

The present study was carried out to evaluate the effects of ensiled mixed apple pomace and broiler litter (EAPBL) on milk yield (MY) and composition, dry matter intake (DMI) and blood parameters at early lactation cow. Four multiparous early-lactating Holstein dairy cows were used in a 4×4 Latin square design including 4 periods and 4 experimental diets. The cows were fed diets containing 0 (control), 15, 30 and 45% of EAPBL, respectively. The highest DMI (p<0.05) was observed in cows fed diets containing 15 and 30% of EAPBL. Milk production was lower (p<0.05) in cows fed 0% EAPBL than in the other experimental groups. Diet including 45% of EAPBL increased (p<0.05) blood glucose and blood urea nitrogen concentration. Inclusion of EAPBL on dairy cows rations might efficiently cause an improvement on MY, milk composition and DMI.

Keywords

• apple pomace silage
• broiler litter
• Holstein dairy cows
• performance