Efficacy of PCDairy application in optimal ration formulation for milking cows on milk productivity and quality

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of PCDairy application in optimal ration formulation for milking cows on milk productivity and quality at the Dairy Demonstrative and Experimental Farm with High Technology of Israel in intensive large farming conditions in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam from February to May 2019. The experiment was arranged into a randomized complete block design with 2 rations (Control treatment with cows fed the current farm based ration and PCDairy treatment with cows fed the PCDairy corrected ration) and lasted 3 months. Total of 56 Holstein Friesian crossbred cows at the 2nd and 3rd parities were divided into 2 treatments. The results showed that the average milk yield of cows fed the current farm based ration (Control) was 26.59 kg/cow/day and lower than that of cows fed the PCDairy corrected ration (PCDairy) of 29.48 kg/cow/day (p<0.05). There was a tendency to improve milk quality indicators (fat, protein and solid non fat) (p>0.05). Dry matter intake/kg milk of cows in control treatment (0.75 kg DMI/kg milk) was higher than that of PCDairy treatment (0.69 kg DMI/kg milk) (p<0.05). The cost of feed/kg milk decreased about 10.89% in PCDairy treatment. The rate of digestive diseases of cows fed the current farm based ration (10.71%) did not differ from that of cows fed the PCDairy corrected ration (7.14%) (p>0.05). In brief, PCDairy application improved milk yield and DMI/kg milk, as well as reduced feed cost.