Abstract

Bendary M.M., Bassiouni M.i, M.F. Ali, Gaafar H.M.and Shamas A.Sh

Eighteen lactating Friesian cows with average body weight of 534.44±13.04 kg, ranging from 450 to 660 kg, average milk production of 12.16±0.10 kg/day, ranging from 9.52 to 14.80 kg/day and average parity of 2.22±0.33; ranging from 1 to 5 were used during the summer season from June to November 2011, for 150 days starting with one week after parturition. Animals were divided into three similar groups with six cows in each group based on body weight, milk production and parity. All animals were fed the basal ration consisted of 40% concentrate feed mixture + 40% corn silage + 20% rice straw (on a DM basis) without additive (control) or with 25 g premix/head/day (premix) or with 50 g seaweed/head/day (seaweed). The seaweed treatment showed significantly (P0.05) affected the concentrations of albumin, creatinine and bilirubin and the activities of AST and ALT in serum. Average daily actual milk yield and the percentages of fat, lactose, SNF, TS and ash were significantly higher (P<0.05) and somatic cell count (SCC) in milk was significantly lower (P<0.05) for premix and seaweed treatments compared to the control treatment. Meantime, seaweed treatment recorded significantly (P<0.05) the highest 4% FCM yield and protein percentage followed by premix treatment, while the control treatment had the lowest values. The amounts of DM and DCP required for producing 1 kg 4% fat corrected milk (FCM) were significantly lower (P<0.05) for premix and seaweed treatments than those of control treatment. While, the amount of TDN and DE required for producing 1 kg 4% FCM were nearly similar for the different treatments. Feed cost (LE/ day) were nearly similar for the different treatments. While, feed cost per one kg 4% FCM was significantly lower (P<0.05), but the total and net revenue were significantly higher (P<0.05) for premix and seaweed treatments compared to control treatment.