Replacement of hydroponic maize fodder for concentrate feed in the diet of lactating dairy cows.

Abstract

Feeding lactating dairy cows with high-quality green fodder is essential for achieving high yields and ensuring the sustainability and viability of dairy farming. The experiment was conducted for the first time in Sri Lanka to assess the impact of hydroponically produced maize green fodder (HMF) on the performance of Jersey Friesian crossbred lactating cows when integrated as a partial replacement for concentrate feeds. The experiment commenced using locally available Bhadra variety Maize (Zea maize L) seeds, which were initially pre-soaked in water and incubated for two days. Subsequently, these soaked seeds (6 kg) were carefully positioned across eight trays within a protected environment where misters were automated every 4-5 hours for a one- to threeminute time to water the trays in the growth period until harvest after 7 days. Harvesting took place on the 8th day post-germination, marking the conclusion of each growth cycle. The fodder yield and height of maize fodder were analyzed at the end of each harvesting time. The one-month feeding trial consisted of six crossbred lactating cows, strategically assigned to two distinct groups: the control group (n=3) and the treatment group (n=3). Both groups received a diet comprising Napier CO4 (Pennisetum purpureum) grass as roughages. Within the control group, 6.0 kg of concentrated feed was administered to each cow daily. Meanwhile, in the treatment group, a paradigm shift was introduced, with 50% of the weight of concentrated feed being substituted by HMF, equating to a daily intake of 8.0 kg. Solids-not-fat (SNF) content, fat content, and density of milk samples were measured in both groups at the starting date of each successive week of the study period. The results indicated no significant differences (P>0.05) between the control and treatment groups in milk yield. However, higher milk yield was reported in the treatment group. There were significant differences (P <0.05) among control and treatment groups in SNF, Fat, and Density of milk. The milk yield showed no significant difference between the treatment and control groups; however, a marginal increment was observed in the treatment group compared to the control. It can be concluded that the partial substitution of conventional concentrate feeds with HMF can exert a positive influence on the milk production of lactating cows.