Response of dairy cows to dietary supplementation of condensed tannins through Ficus infectoria leaves

Abstract

This study was undertaken to ascertain the effect of dietary supplementation of condensed tannins (CT) through Ficus infectoria leaves on the performance of lactating cows. Crossbred dairy cows (12) at their second and mid lactation were randomly divided into 2 groups of 6 each in a completely randomized block design to receive either a conventional concentrate mixture (CT–0) or experimental concentrate mixture (CT–1.5) containing 0 and 1.5% CT, respectively, by substituting wheat bran with Ficus infectoria leaves to meet their requirements for maintenance and milk production. Green oats (Avena sativa) was offered ad lib. as basal feed. A metabolism trial was conducted following 60 days of experimental feeding. The intakes of DM, DCP and TDN were comparable between the groups. The inclusion of CT at 1.5% in the concentrate mixture through the leaves of F. infectoria did not affect the digestibility of DM, OM, CP, EE, NDF and ADF in lactating cows. The retention of nitrogen was positive in all the cows and it was significantly higher in treatment group CT–1.5 as compared to CT–0. The dietary supplementation of CT did not exert any significant effect on urinary excretion of purine derivatives and microbial protein synthesis. Although the apparent daily milk yield was similar between the 2 dietary treatments, 4% FCM yield and ECM were significantly higher for CT–1.5 group as compared to CT–0. The composition of milk was similar except significantly higher fat % and total fat yield for the cows supplemented with CT. It may be concluded that F. infectoria leaves could be used as potential source of CT. An apparent positive impact was evident on N retention and milk yield in lactating cows given concentrate mixture containing 1.5% CT from F. infectoria leaves.