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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Peter Rowlinson
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Two experiments were conducted to examine the production and quality of cassava hay and its utilization in diets for dairy cows. In experiment I, a 2x2 Factorial arrangement in a randomized complete block design with 4 replications was carried out to determine the effects of different initial (IC) and subsequent cutting (SC) on yield and composition of cassava plant. The results revealed that cassava could produce from 4 to 7 tonne of DM and 1.2 to 1.6 tonne of CP for the first six months after planting. CP content in cassava plant ranged from 20.8 to 28.5% and was affected by different SC regimes. Condensed tannin in cassava foliage ranged from 4.9 to 5.5%. Initial cutting at 2 months with subsequent cutting at 2 month intervals was the optimal to obtain high dry matter and protein yield. In the second experiment, five crossbred Holstein-Friesian cows in mid lactation with an initial live-weight of 505±6.1 kg and average milk yield of 10.78±1.2 kg/d were randomly assigned in a 5x5 Latin square design to study the effects of 2 levels of CH (1 and 2 kg/hd/d) and concentrate (1 to 2 kg of milk and 1 to 3 kg of milk) on milk yield and milk composition. The results showed that cassava hay increased rumen NH3-N and milk urea nitrogen (MUN) (p<0.05). Cassava hay tended to increase milk production and 4% FCM. Milk protein increased in cows fed cassava hay (p<0.05). Moreover, cassava hay could reduce concentrate levels in dairy rations thus resulting in increased economic returns. Cassava hay can be a good source of forage to reduce concentrate supplementation and improve milk quality.
Author(s): Hong NTT, Wanapat M, Wachirapakorn C, Pakdee P, Rowlinson P
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
Year: 2003
Volume: 16
Issue: 12
Pages: 1763-1769
Print publication date: 01/12/2003
ISSN (print): 1011-2367
ISSN (electronic): 1976-5517
Publisher: Asian - Australasian Association of Animal Production Societies
