Vol. 12, Special Issue 10 (2023)

Author(s):
Neelam Kumari, Anju Kala, Bharat Shindhe and LC Chaudhary

Abstract:
The experiment was conducted to study the effect of plant secondary metabolites supplementation on nutrient intake and nutrient digestibility in cross-bred dairy cattle. Eighteen, lactating cross bred Vrindavani cattle (30 to 60 days postpartum) were selected (based on parity and milk yield) and divided into 3 groups with each group containing 6 animals. Control group was fed with basal diet (concentrate according to milk yield and green fodder ad libitum). In T₁ group, basal diet was supplemented with a combination of ajwain oil and bahera. In T₂ group basal diet was supplemented with a combination of ajwain oil and bahera at double the dose of T₁. Nutrient intake, as well as nutrient digestibility (CP, ADF, EE) was similar in all three experimental groups whereas NDF digestibility was significantly (p>0.05) higher T₃ group than control and T₁. DCP and TDN intake in terms of kg/day and g/kgW^0.75 was comparable among groups. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of plant secondary metabolites did not affect nutrient intake nutrient digestibility in cross-bred dairy cattle except NDF digestibility which was improved.