Evaluation of detoxified Karanja (pongamia sp.) and Neem (azadirachta indica) cakes in total mixed ration (TMR) for dairy cattle–effect on nutritional, biochemical profiles

Abstract

Three total mixed rations (TMR) were prepared namely T1-control where soybean meal was incorporated at 9.6 % of TMR, T2-detoxified neem cake (dNC) was incorporated at 3.85 % of TMR and T3-detoxified karanja cake (dKC) was incorporated at 5.85 % of TMR and fed to three groups of six crossbred cows in each group for 90 days. Milk yield (kg/day) and FCM yield (kg/day) increased in all the groups. The average milk fat was found to be lower in (P<0.05) in T3-dKC group (5.03±0.21) compared to T1-control (6.13±0.25). Nutrient intakes and digestibilities were found to be same. Blood profiles like albumin, glucose, LDH and ALP concentrations were higher (P<0.05) and globulin and urea concentration were lower (P<0.05) at the end of experiment in all the groups. Serum cortisol (nM/L) and IGF-1 (ng/ml) concentration were also found to be same in all groups. However, final IGF-1hormone concentrations were found to be higher (P<0.05) compared to initial values in all the groups. In can be concluded that feeding of TMR containing dNC and dKC have improved milk yield in 90 days lactation period without adversely affecting milk composition, milk production efficiency. Similar effects were observed even nutrient digestibility and nutritive value of diets indicating these unconventional protein supplements can be included in TMR of dairy cattle. Positive effects on serum albumin, glucose, LDH and ALP concentrations and IGF I concentrations were observed at the end of feeding period of 90 days in both treatment groups compared to control.