Effect of pre-partum and post-partum concentrate supplementation on milk yield and quality, calf birth weight and post-partum heat period of Holstein-Friesian crossbred cows

Twelve Holstein-Friesian crossbred cows were selected for an on-farm study in a completely randomized design to exemplify the effects of pre- and post-partum concentrate supplementation on calf birth weight, milk production and composition; and post-partum resumption of ovarian cyclicity. Along with green grass (35.0 kg/cow/day) and daily farm allowance of concentrate mixture (2.0 kg/cow/day; regarded as control group – 6 cows), extra amount (500 g) of concentrate supplementation was done in supplemented group (6 cows) using wheat bran (44%), mustard oil cake (44%), common salt (4%) and di-calcium phosphate (8%). Results revealed that calf birth weight was 11% higher (p=0.26) in supplemented group compared to the control group. Milk yield was recorded 49% higher (p=0.001) in supplemented cows than that of the control cows. Among the milk constituents, only milk protein was found significantly (p=0.0001) higher in cows received concentrate supplementation than that of the cows without concentrate supplementation. Moreover, the post-partum heat period was found significantly (p=0.014) lower in supplemented group than that of the control group and 83.33% cow in this group returned to heat within 60 days post-partum which was nil in the control group. In conclusion, offering concentrates during pre- and post-partum had positive impact on milk yield, milk protein and post-partum heat period.