Abstract:
Ten Australian Illawara Shorthorn cows and ten buffaloes at an average 90 days post-partum were randomly divided into two groups. First group was fed ration comprising 30 kg forage per head per day throughout the 90 days experimental period to serve as control. In addition, this group was fed 5.75 kg of conventional feed concentrate. The second group was fed only 8.35 kg per head per day of the same forage and in addition a broiler litter-based concentrate which was offered on ad libitum basis. This concentrate contained on DM 40.6 percent broiler litter. There was no statistically significant difference in milk yield between control and experimental groups although there was an obvious trend for higher milk yield in experimental animals (6.761 vs 7.281). Feed cost was Rs.14.34 and Rs.8.50 per head per day for control and experimental groups, respectively. The difference in feed saving per head over 90 days experiment was Rs.654.30 for broiler litter concentrate-fed buffaloes and cows. When projected over 300 day!. lactation period, the feed saving would amount to Rs.2.181 per head. It was concluded that broiler litter, when properly treated and balanced with other feed ingredients, offers a significant profit to those dairy farmers having access to poultry waste.
Page(s):
145-150
DOI:
DOI not available
Published:
Journal: Pakistan Journal of Agricultural Research, Volume: 3, Issue: 3, Year: 1982