• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.6 no.4
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• pp.509-514
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• 1993

The experiment was conducted to determine the effect of different fiber levels on milk production of crossbred Holstein milking cows fed urea-treated rice straw (UTS) as a roughage. Eight cows were allotted into 2 squares of 4 cows each with 4 treatments by a balanced design. The treatments were 17%, 22%, and 24% crude fiber (CF) diets and Thai feeding system (free choice of roughage and 1 kg of concentrates/2 kg of milk) as a control. Body weight change was not significantly different among the treatments during the experiment. Milk production (4% FCM) and milk protein content wee not different among the treatments, but milk fat content was low in the 17% CF group and high in the control group. Cows fed the 17% CF diet consumed less UTS and more concentrates than the others, and consequently total DM intake was not different among the treatments. The feed conversion ratio was significantly higher in the control. Feed cost per kg milk was lowest in the control and highest in the 17% CF diet. The fiber content of the diet would be more than 17%, preferably 22-24% for normally producing Thai crossbred Holstein cows when the UTS was fed as a main roughage source.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.8 no.5
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• pp.523-527
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• 1995

Two on farm feeding trials were conducted at the Pabna milkshed area during July to October 1993, to evaluate the response of feeding urea molassesed straw (UMS) on milk production of Pabna milking cows and its economics. A feeding trial of 60 days with 50 Pabna milking cows showed that the cows fed UMS as a replacer of dry straw increased daily milk yield by 1.37 litre. Moreover, it reduced the daily requirement of concentrate by 1.0 kg/head. In the second trial, a herd of 52 animals including 14 milking cows were fed UMS in place of traditionally used dry straw. Introduction of UMS increased the milk production by 1.0 litre/cow/day and saved concentrate by 1.5 kg/cow daily. Urea molassesed straw can safely and economically be fed to lactating cows.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.342-348
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• 2014

This study was conducted to examine the effects of condensed tannins (CT) from Ficus bengalensis leaves on the feed utilization, milk production and health status of crossbred cows. Eighteen crossbred dairy cows at their second and mid lactation (avg. BW $351.6{\pm}10.6$ kg) were randomly divided into two groups of nine each in a completely randomized block design and fed two iso-nitrogenous supplements formulated to contain 0% and 1.5% CT through dried and ground leaves of Ficus bengalensis. The diets were designated as CON and FBLM, respectively and fed to cows with a basal diet of rice straw to meet requirements for maintenance and milk production. The daily milk yield was significantly (p<0.05) increased due to supplementation of FBLM diet. The 4% fat corrected milk yield was also significantly (p<0.01) higher due to increased (p<0.05) milk fat in cows under diet FBLM as compared to CON. The inclusion of CT at 1.5% in the supplement did not interfere with the feed intake or digestibility of DM, OM, CP, EE, NDF, and ADF by lactating cows. Digestible crude protein (DCP) and total digestible nutrients (TDN) values of the composite diets were comparable between the groups. The blood biochemical parameters remained unaltered except significantly (p<0.05) lowered serum urea concentration in cows fed FBLM diet. There was a significant (p<0.05) increase intracellular reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity in cows supplemented with condensed tannins. The total thiol group (T-SH) was found to be higher with reduction in lipid peroxidation (LPO) in cows of FBLM group. The cost of feeding per kg milk production was also reduced due to supplementation of Ficus bengalensis leaves. Therefore, a perceptible positive impact was evident on milk production and antioxidant status in crossbred cows during mid-lactation given supplement containing 1.5% CT through Ficus bengalensis leaves.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.7 no.3
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• pp.383-387
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• 1994

Six heifers each of $F_1$, $F_2$, $F_3$, $F_4$ H. Friesian $\times$ Sahjwal halfbreds and pure Sahiwal with overall average initial age and live weight of $315.6{\pm}134.8 days$ and $143.8{\pm}48.5kg$, respectively were used for this study. The under trial animals were fed according to N.R.C. (1978). The overall average age at maturity, first conception and first calving was $563.8{\pm}116.8$, $675.8{\pm}135.6$ and $956.8{\pm}149.8days$ with live weights as $302.2{\pm}58.6$, $342.6{\pm}41.5$ and $433.9{\pm}38.1kg$, respectively. The overall 305 days and total milk yield for 1st lactation was $2,729.0{\pm}669.3$ and $2,992.7{\pm}377.5litre$ while the FCM (at 4%) was $2,934.2{\pm}410.8litre$. The lactation length was $336.6{\pm}69.6days$. The fat and solids not fat contents were $4.5{\pm}0.2$ and $8.2{\pm}0.3percent$, respectively. The milk production in Sahiwal cows was significantly lower than crossbred cows. The services per conception were $2.5{\pm}1.3$. The overall per head per day consumption of DM, TCP and ME was $10.9{\pm}1.2kg$, $1,399{\pm}199gm$ and $22.6{\pm}2.4 M.Cal.$, respectively. The overall milk producing efficiency for the production of one litre of FCM was $1.12{\pm}0.15kg$ of DM, $142.2{\pm}17.76gm$ of TCP and $2.31{\pm}0.27M.Cal.$ of energy while the feeding cost was Rs. $1.46{\pm}0.22$ per litre of FCM produced. The feeding cost per litre FCM was significantly higher in Sahiwal and $F_2$ than in other genetic groups.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.11 no.5
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• pp.586-596
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• 1998

The relevance and importance of buffalo production under coconut plantations in the North Westen Province of Sri Lanka was studied in three districts (Bingiriya, Pannala, Kuliyapitiya). The objective of the study was to collect baseline information on socioeconomic and cultural aspects of buffalo production, with a view to promote and disseminate new technologies. The survey technique used consisted of a formal survey using a structured questionnaire (71 households) and rapid appraisal (55 households). The results indicate the existence of a wide stratification of dariy farmers which ranged from skilled dairy operators with high levels of production and management of efficiency to marginal subsistence farmers with low levels of productivity. The most frequent family size of households ranged from 4-5 members (58%), and the average family size was 4.7. The actual average land ownership accounts to 2.4 ha of upland and 0.5 ha of lowland, but when their accessibility to common property resources are taken into account, the land availability was assessed at 13 ha and 0.7 ha of upland and lowland, respectively. The highest average monthly income (Rs. 13,590) was received by farmers with off-farm employment (primary) who are also engaged in livestock production (secondary), and livestock contributed 43% of the total income. Livestock farmers who practised integrated crop farming as a secondary source of income received a monthly income of Rs. 10,843, and those involved in crop production as the primary source received the lowest average income (Rs. 7,295). The survey revealed a high investment cost on concentrate feeds (47%) for milk production. However some farmers obtained higher milk yields (11 litres/cow/day) at lower ration costs, and this could be attributed to the entrepreneurship skills and management efficiency. The study area had a well developed market infrastructure for fresh milk, principally due to the existence of the Nestle's company and the Coconut Triangle Milk Union. On an average the producer collected Rs. 10 per litre of milk marketed.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.13 no.10
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• pp.1461-1466
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• 2000

The use of the dairy male calf for beef production has been found to be economically unprofitable during the past due to high cost of feeds and relatively low beef price. However, due to current shortage of domestic beef supply and rising beef price, this research aimed to assess feeding methods and costs and returns in raising dairy male calves for beef production under changing economic conditions. Two diets were compared: calves on an optimal feeding level were given milk replacer for 44 d and a concentrate (with ad lib. hay) to 150 kg bodyweight that contained 16% crude protein; those given a sub-optimal diet, more appropriate for smallholder farms, received milk replacer for 30 d and 14% CP concentrate. Twelve pairs of dairy male calves (average age 32 days) of Holstein-Friesian high grades were used, each pair having similar influencing factors such as weight, age, and genotype. Each animal was kept in a separate feeding stall until reaching the final weight of 150 kg. The results from this experiment showed that the differences of traits concerning growth performance and feed efficiency of the animals raised under the two feeding regimes were statistically nonsignificant. The optimal group was just slightly better, but the cost of production of the sub-optimal group was 24 percent lower (4,667 vs. 6,144 baht per animal) and the cost difference was highly significant. The results from this investigation showed that beef production from dairy male calves can be economically viable when sub-optimal feeding method is used and market beef price is at current level.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.19-29
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• 1994

The annual income (gross margin) in 1989/90 of a sample of 274 farmers in seven milk cooperatives was analyzed in the sugar cane, cassava, and horticulture areas in East Java. On average dairying contributed 42%, crops 29% and off-farm revenue 29%. Dairy income was highest in the cassava area, where it compensated for the low crop income, and lowest in the sugar cane area. Farm area and average milk yield per day per cow correlated positively with farmer's income, whereas crop income increase significantly with farm area and with the number of cows. The level of total cost per cow had a negative impact on dairy and with the number of cows. The level of total cost per cow had a negative impact on dairy and on total income. Government officials and other professionals engaged in dairying had a significantly higher total income than those with their main occupation in dairying, cropping or working as farm labourers. Uneducated farmers obtained a significantly larger income through crops, whereas farmers with tertiary education obtained more income through off-farm work, This study suggests that more attention must be paid to the actual use of labour and the improvement of the dairy output/cost ratio.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.14 no.8
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• pp.1118-1124
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• 2001

Fifteen lactating crossbred cows were randomly allotted to three groups of 5 each, and fed three isoproteinous concentrate mixture varying in RDP and UDP ratios, viz. 71: 29 (T1) and 58: 42 (T2) and 44: 56 (T3), along with green maize and wheat straw given as 2/3 and 1/3 of total roughage respectively, for a period of 120 days. The DM intake (kg/d) differed significantly (p<0.01) among the treatments as well as among the fortnights over a period of 120 days. DMI (kg/d) progressively increased from first to eighth fortnight in all the treatments. The daily DMI (% BW) was significantly (p<0.01) lower in T1 (2.37) than those of T2 (2.82) and T3 (2.67). The body weights of cows decreased up to 4th fortnight in T1 and up to 3rd fortnight in T2 and T3, then it showed an increasing trend till the end of the experiment in all the treatments. Cows in T1 lost 10 kg body weight but cows in T2 and T3 gained 23 and 12 kg the body weight, respectively. Both the milk and FCM yield differed significantly (p<0.01) among the fortnights. The FCM yield increased up to 2nd fortnight in all the treatments and thereafter, the FCM yield declined gradually as the lactation advanced. The FCM yield (kg/d) was significantly (p<0.05) higher in T3 (10.47) than in T2 (9.81) and T1 (9.68), however, milk yield, SCM yield and milk energy yield did not differ among the treatments as well as among the fortnights. Fat and protein % in milk increased as the lactation advanced. However, fortnightly SNF % in milk showed an irregular trend. The % fat, protein, SNF and total solids in milk differed significantly (p<0.01) among the fortnights. The % fat and protein in milk varied significantly (p<0.01) among the treatments, being lowest in T1 and highest in T3. The feed efficiency for milk production showed a non-significant variation among the treatments as well as among the fortnights, but increased with the increase in UDP level. It is concluded that by increasing the UDP level from 29 to 56 per cent of CP in the diet of medium producing cows, the milk production increases and cost of milk production reduces.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.540-572
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• 2011

The present review focuses on the effects of energy intake on performance, changes in body tissue during lactation, and metabolic parameters in dairy cows. Especially, pre-partum nutrition and its influence on lactation are emphasized. In recent decades the increase in genetic potential of dairy cows has increased milk yield. This fact sharpens the problem of a negative energy balance in early lactation because the amount of energy required for maintenance and milk production exceeds the amount of energy cows can consume. Around parturition, reduced feed intake reinforces the situation. Continuing negative energy balance causes decreasing milk yield, fertility problems, and incidence of metabolic diseases. Hence, the cow has to rely on body reserves that were stored in late lactation and the dry period. It is evident that the nutritional status pre-partum acts as the key factor for milk yield and fertility parameters in the following lactation. Cows overfed during the foregoing gestation and which have gained large quantities of body fat have lower dry matter intake along with the need to mobilize larger quantities of body reserves in lactation. The milk yield in the following lactation is lower than in cows fed according to their requirements. Cows restrictively fed in late gestation have a higher feed intake in lactation and a lower mobilization of body reserves. The effect of energy intake post-partum plays only a minor role for performance parameters in lactation. Lipid mobilized from body reserves makes a substantial contribution to the energetic cost of milk production in early lactation and adipose tissue undergoes specific metabolic alterations. Adipose tissue is degraded to free fatty acids, which are used in liver for energy purposes. High lipid mobilisation promotes the development of a fatty liver and therefore a reduced gluconeogenesis.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.18-26
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• 2004

This study evaluated the impact of an AI heifer calf rearing scheme on dairy stock development, in a coconut grazing and a peri-urban smallholder dairy production system in the Western Province of Sri Lanka. The heifer rearing scheme included free advice on calf rearing, drugs, acaricides, minerals and subsidised concentrates for 30 months. The farmers in the coconut growing area integrate dairying with their plantation, they sell their milk to the main processors. The peri-urban farmers are intensive milk producers, who sell their milk at informal markets. To estimate the effect of the heifer rearing scheme on dairy replacement stock development, scheme farmers were compared with farmers who did not participate in the scheme. Calf mortality was twice as high in non-scheme farms (23-28%) as in scheme farms (12-14%). The scheme had a positive effect on weight development and scheme heifers calved 4.5 months earlier than non-scheme heifers. The calf rearing package is cost effective in both farming systems, however, the required cash inputs are a major constraint. The costs per in-calf heifer under the scheme are much lower than the production of such animals by either multiplication in state farms or importing them. The coconut grazing system showed the highest potential for producing surplus dairy stock.