Effect of Moringa (Moringa oleifera) Dry Leaf Powder Supplementation on Production Performance and Economics of Lactating Rathi Cows

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of Moringa (Moringa oleifera) dry leaf powder supplementation on milk yield, composition and milk quality of lactating Rathi cows, as well as the economic impact of this intervention. Fifteen cows were selected from the herd of Rathi cattle of Livestock Research Station Bikaner, Rajasthan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Bikaner, Rajasthan. Methods: The animals were divided into three treatment groups based on nearness of their body weight, parity and lactation stage. Cows were fed with Moringa oleifera leaf powder supplement at the levels of 0 g (control, T0), 10 g (T1) and (T2) 20 g per 100 kg bw/cow/day for 60 days (14 days of adjustment and 46 days of sampling period). Daily milk yield was recorded and samples were taken at every 7 day interval. Result: The results of the study indicated that the milk fat, lactose, solid not fat and total solids per cent were found significantly higher (P less than 0.01), while lower somatic cell count (P less than 0.05) reported in the supplemented groups when compared with control group. No significant difference was observed in milk yield and milk protein in the moringa supplemented groups. The treatment groups supplemented with moringa also had higher economic efficiency.