Effect of Feeding Strategies on the Production and Composition of Milk in Small Scale Dairy Farms in the Thirunelvely Area of the Jaffna District

Abstract

The objective of the study was to identify the local feeding strategies adopted by the small-scale dairy farms in selected areas of the Jaffna district, document the composition of feed ingredients in the study area and to determine the effect of feeding strategies on milk yield and milk composition. Information was collected from 53 farmers through personal interviews. Out of the 53 farms, twenty dairy farms were monitored in monthly visits, records were maintained for feeds, milk production and sampling of milk also was conducted for chemical analysis. Samples of feeds used on the farm also were taken and chemical composition of feeds was analyzed. Eleven feedstuffs identified were grouped into: HFLP feeds - High fiber low protein; HFHP feeds - High fiber high protein feeds and LFHP feeds - Low fiber high protein feeds. Four feeding strategies were identified: strategy 1 uses HFLP and LFHP; strategy 2 uses HFLP and HFHP and strategy 3 HFLP, HFHP and LFHP feeds. Out of the 53 farms, percentages of farmers followed strategy 1,2 and 3 were 28 .31 ,16 .98 and 54.71, respectively. Feeding strategies did not influence milk protein; it had significant effect on milk yield, milk fat content, and dry matter intake. Milk yield and milk fat content were high in strategy 2 .