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

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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.

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Acknowledgments

We are grateful for the financial support of Makoholi Research Institute and to the staff of Makoholi Research Institute for their participation in this project.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Zimbabwe, Paraclinical Veterinary Studies, P.O Box MP167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe

    Jacob Gusha, Simbarashe Katsande & Plaxedis Ivy Zvinorova

  2. Makoholi Research Station, P Bag 9182, Masvingo, Zimbabwe

    Clive Rolex Manyuchi

  3. Department of Animal science, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP167, Mt. Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe

    Venancio Edward Imbayarwo-Chikosi & Vimbayi Rangaridzo Hamandishe

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  1. Jacob Gusha
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  2. Clive Rolex Manyuchi
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  3. Venancio Edward Imbayarwo-Chikosi
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  5. Simbarashe Katsande
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  6. Plaxedis Ivy Zvinorova
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Correspondence to Jacob Gusha.

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Gusha, J., Manyuchi, C.R., Imbayarwo-Chikosi, V.E. et al. Production and economic performance of F1-crossbred dairy cattle fed non-conventional protein supplements in Zimbabwe. Trop Anim Health Prod 46, 229–234 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-013-0481-5

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