Effect of Feeding Different Levels of Degummed Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) Seed Meal on Palatability, Nutrient Utilization and Milk Yield in Lactating Crossbred Cows

Abstract

The effect of replacing soybean meal with feeding of different levels of degummed fenugreek seed meal (DSFM) in the concentrate mixture on palatability, nutrient utilization and milk yield in lactating crossbred cows was investigated. Eighteen lactating Karan Fries cows were divided into three groups based on milk yield and body weight. All the cows were offered a diet consisting of conventional concentrate mixture in the control group, replacing 33% of soybean meal (SBM) by DFSM for T1 and replacing 50% of soybean meal by DFSM for T2. All cows were fed concentrate mixture, green maize fodder and wheat straw in the ratio of 60:30:10 on DM basis, respectively. The duration of study was 150 days. Average dry matter intake and total milk yield was higher (P<0.05) in T1 and T2 groups as compared to control group even though the nutritive evaluation of rations in terms of %DCP and %TDN were same. The digestibility coefficiencies of DM, OM, EE, CF and ADF increased significantly (P<0.05) in treatment groups than control, although the digestibility of CP and NFE were remained similar. It was concluded that 50% replacement of SBM with DFSM in concentrate mixture having cost effectiveness and did not have any adverse effect on palatability, productive performance and nutrient digestibility in lactating cows.