PERFORMANCE INDICATORS AND INFLUENCE OF INCLUSION GROUND AND EXTRUDED PEAS IN COMPOUND FEED FOR DAIRY COWS ON MILK PRODUCTIVITY AND QUALITY

Abstract

Proposing new protein sources in compound feeds for dairy cows is an ongoing challenge facing animal nutritionists and researchers. Protein, as the leading dietary component, is responsible not only for the volume of milk produced but also for the stability of milk yield throughout lactation; at the same time, it is regularly influenced by various factors. Countering these influences requires a continuous search for suitable solutions based on the country’s available resources. Minimising restrictions on access to imported high‑protein feed components can be achieved by focusing on domestic protein sources. The aim of the research was to study the effects of feeding increased levels of ground and extruded peas as a protein source in compound feeds for dairy cows. The research was conducted at the State Enterprise “ZhodinoAgroPlemElita” (Minsk Region, Smolevichi District). For this purpose, three groups of cows were formed during the early lactation and main lactation phases (one control group and two experimental groups) matched for lactation stage, productivity level, and age. Results showed that including ground peas at 20,0 % and 30,0 % by weight of the compound feed increased the yield of milk at standard fat content during the early lactation period by 1,53 kg and 1,87 kg, respectively, and during the main lactation period by 0,24 kg and 0,36 kg. Incorporating extruded peas at 25,0 % and 30,0 % resulted in a daily milk yield increase per animal of 0,11 kg and 0,84 kg during the early lactation phase – 0,13 kg and 0,44 kg during the main lactation phase, compared with the control. Thus, the inclusion of ground and extruded peas in compound feeds contributes to improved productivity of dairy cows during both the early lactation period and the main lactation cycle.