Dynamics of variation of dairy characteristics in cows when using the feed additive “VivAktiv”

Abstract

Relevance.  Holstein  dairy  cattle  are  bred  in  the  Sverdlovsk  region,  its  improvement  is  carried  out  by selecting  and  selecting  the  best  for  further  breeding.  In  order  for  them  to  display  their  genetic  potential  of productivity, it is necessary to ensure a balanced diet. The aim of the work was to assess the diversity  of dairy characteristics in Holstein cows when using the “VivAktiv” feed additive.Methods. To conduct the study, 4 groups of calved heifers with 10 heads each were formed in a typical breeding plant for the region: a control group and three experimental ones based on the principle of pairs  of analogues. The dairy productivity of cows was evaluated for the first lactation and for the calendar year by control milking once a month. The fat and protein content in milk was assessed in an average milk sample once  a  month  from  each  cow.  The  coefficient  of  variability  (variation)  was  calculated  according  to  the generally accepted formula.Results. As a result of the conducted research, it was found that the use of the “VivAktiv” feed additive did not significantly affect the productivity of cows. The milk yield for lactation by group was 10582.3  ± 187.35,  10640.8 ± 163.89, 10293.9 ± 176.45 and 10080.1  ± 178.13 kg, respectively, the difference was unreliable and  insignificant.  Considering  the  changes  in  the  coefficient  of  variation  between  the  groups,  we  can note a lower variability of the trait in cows of the 2nd experimental group. The animals of the control group came in second place. The largest variety of the trait turned out to be in the 3rd experimental group. Thus, the  variability  of  the  trait  is  influenced  by  the  period  (month)  of  lactation,  to  some  extent  the  duration  of  lactation,  as  well  as  the  use  of  the  feed  additive  “VivAktiv”,  which  had  a  stabilizing  effect  on  cow  yield when used at a dose of 20 g/head/day.