Effect of exogenous fibrolytic enzymes in total mixed ration on milk yield, composition, feed efficiency in Holstein Friesian crossbred cows

Abstract

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of exogenous fibrolytic enzymes (EFE; 800 IU/g endo 1,4- β glucanase, 700 IU/g 1 (3),4-β glucanase and 2700 IU/g endo 1,4-β xylanase) @ 240 mg/kg total mixed ration (TMR) feeding on milk and components yield as well as feed utilization efficiency in Holstein Friesian [HF] crossbred cows. Twenty early lactating HF crossbred cows having uniform 4% fat corrected milk (FCM) yield and body weight were used to access the effect on nutrients intake, milk yield, milk composition, feed conversion efficiency and cost of feeding. The crossbred cows fed EFE supplemented TMR produced more milk, 4% FCM and milk fat. The supplementation of EFE resulted in higher milk solid not fat (SNF), protein and lactose as well as higher milk fat and total solids (TS). The consumption of nutrients/kg 4% FCM were less in EFE group cow, whereas only numerical improvement in nutrients intake/kg milk was noticed. The gross protein and energy efficiencies were significantly improved on EFE supplementation. The return over feed cost was 15.87% higher for cows fed EFE supplemented TMR compared to control TMR. In conclusion, feeding of EFE produced significantly higher 4% FCM and milk fat with improved feed conversion efficiency and better economic returns in HF crossbred cows.