Abstract
Studies were conducted for inventory of feed resources and nutritional status of dairy cows in four agro- ecological regions of Bangladesh named Baghabarighat, Satkhira, Chittagong and Mymensingh. Based on the feed resources and nutritional status of animals, further studies were organized through the intervention in the existing feeding practices for improved productive and reproductive performances of dairy cows in Bahgabarighat area. Inventory of cattle feedstuffs showed that the available feeds were rice straw, green forage and different types of concentrates. The availability of roughage was fluctuating; particularly green grass was not only fluctuating but also inadequate which varied depending on the season and area. Baghabarighat area had different feeding practice, particularly in winter and monsoon compared to those in the other areas. Nutritional status of the cows showed that there were variable degrees of deficiencies or excesses of both energy and protein in the study areas. It is interesting that Baghabarighat area was different than other areas that it had excess of protein and energy intake in winter and deficit of protein and low level of energy in monsoon which was opposite to that in other areas. For controlling gastrointestinal nematode infection in dairy cattle two herbal de-wormers, Neem (Azadirachta indica) and Pineapple (Ananas comosus) leaves were used for efficacy test and their effects on milk yield of cows. The efficacies were 61.5-67.50%, 81.0-95.80% and 98.21-100% and milk yield increased by 9.1% 11.3% and 13.7% for Neem, Pineapple and Albendazole, respectively. Feeding intervention study in Baghabarighat milk pocket on milk production in 25 typical dairy farms consisting of about 100 dairy cows was observed in monsoon, winter and summer. Rice straw based feeding intervention was composed mainly of UMS without green forage, reduced quantities of legume forage and increased amount of non-legume forage in monsoon, winter and summer, respectively. Results indicated that in monsoon, feeding UMS instead of only rice straw increased DCP and ME intake and slightly increased feed cost. Milk yield of the farms under study was also increased by 12.2% due to feeding intervention. In winter season legume forage supply was curtailed over that supplied traditionally and rice straw was increased which reduced DCP and ME intake and also feed cost slightly. This manipulated feeding maintained milk yield similar to that of the traditional feeding. The intervention in summer season was to reduce rice straw and concentrates and to increase the supply of green grass. The results showed that DM, DCP and ME were improved and feed cost reduced. Milk yield of the farms significantly (p<0.01) increased. The study also showed that in all seasons genotypic make up of the cows, irrespective of feed type, significantly (p<0.01) affected milk yield and composition. Similar results were also observed in case of feed type irrespective of breed type. The results of feeding intervention also indicated that genotype had significant (p<0.01) effect on lactation length and milk yield per lactation, irrespective of feeding intervention, similarly feeding had significant (p<0.05) effect on these parameters, irrespective of the genotypes of the cows. Effect of feeding intervention on pregnant animals in their last trimester of pregnancy was also investigated. The intervention in monsoon consists of UMS feeding instead of only straw and concentrate level was slightly increased resulting in significant increase in DM, DCP and ME intake of the cows. Results showed that in monsoon season feeding intervention, irrespective of breed, significantly (p<0.01) decreased postpartum estrus period, calving to conception interval and increased significantly (p<0.01) calf birth weight. Breed had also significant (p<0.01) effect on these parameters, irrespective of feeding type. In winter season significant decrease green forage supply and slight increase in concentrate supply resulted in significant decrease in DM, DCP and ME intake. Feeding intervention, irrespective of genotypes of the cows, significantly (p<0.05) decreased postpartum estrus period, calving to conception interval, service per conception and increased calf birth weight. Breed had also significant (p<0.01) effect on these parameters, irrespective of feeding practice. Feeding intervention in summer season involved decreased rice straw supply, increased green grass and concentrate supply to the cows. This resulted in significant increase in intake of all the nutrients and the feed cost. As in the case of winter season both feeding and genotype had significant (p<0.05) effects on postpartum estrus period, calving to conception interval, service per conception and calf birth weight, when considered individually. It may be concluded that in all the four agro-ecological regions under study feeds available for cattle are rice straw and almost similar types of concentrates. Availability of green forages was varied with regions and seasons. Feeding practices followed by the farmers of Baghabarighat area was distinctly different due to its unique agro-climatic condition, where the animals were taken more care and during winter plenty of leguminous forages were fed to the animals unlike other regions. Nutritional statuses of dairy cows in all four regions are the reflection of feed supply which also depends, to some extent, on care and feeding management taken by the farmers. Feeding Pineapple and Neem leaves to dairy cows may reduce parasite burden and slightly increase milk yield. In Baghabarighat area UMS may be fed to cows in monsoon for improved milk yield. In winter legume forage supply may be reduced to about 21% without affecting milk yield and that can stored for feeding during monsoon. In summer, the quantity of green forage may be increased considerably for better milk yield of cows. Feeding intervention significantly improved the reproductive efficiency of the cows.