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Asian Journal of Agriculture and Development (AJAD) - Call for papers!

Effects of component and total mixed ration feeding systems on the growth performance, rumen fluid characteristics, and nutrient digestibility in dairy cattle

(Timor-Leste), Doctor of Philosophy in Animal Science (University of the Philippines Los Baños)

Dissertation Abstract:

To determine the effects of total mixed ration (TMR) and component (COMP) feeding systems on the growth performance, 10 growing Holstein-Friesian (HF) x Jersey cattle were grouped in two and assigned to the treatments following a randomized complete block design. To determine the effects of TMR and COMP on in situ and in vitro degradability, ruminal pH stability, and soluble sugars, three rumen-cannulated HF x Jersey bulls were used in a 2 x 2 cross-over design. In both feeding trials, TMR and COMP used the same feed ingredients including corn silage, Napier grass, concentrate mash, legume mix, molasses, and iodized salt. TMR was mixed first prior to feeding while feed ingredients under the COMP were provided to the animals following a feeding schedule. The results showed that differences in the means for BWG, ADG, FCR, fecal consistency, and the onset of estrous in growing dairy cattle were not significant. Feed and nutrient intakes were higher in TMR than in the COMP group. The differences in the means for in situ and in vitro degradability values, pH stability, and soluble sugars were also not significant. Under the conditions for which this study was conducted, feeding dairy animals through total mixed ration does result in better growth and reproductive development, and better rumen function when compared to the traditional component feeding system.