On-Farm Monitoring of Feed Effects on Milk Yield and Composition in Crossbred Dairy Cows at Gidole Town, Ethiopia

Abstract

The study was conducted at Gidole town to evaluate the impact of three feeding practices (low, medium, and better-off) on milk composition and yield in Holstein Friesian crossbred dairy (HFCD) cows at the farm level across three lactation stages (early, mid, and late). In the study area, challenges and opportunities for dairy production were thoroughly assessed. Data were collected from 12 systematically selected households (HHs), representing the three feeding groups (poor, medium, and better-off), shortly after cows gave birth. During early lactation, three feeding households had daily milk yields (DMYs) of 3.61± 0.23, 8.25± 0.69, and 9.47± 0.88, respectively. The DMY was 3.64± 0.75, 7.81± 0.87, and 9.37± 0.71 amid lactation. Across all lactation stages, the feeding groups exhibited significant differences in DMY, fat content, protein levels, and lactose composition (P < 0.05). The cows’ diets directly influenced these variations. Given the reported differences in dairy cow performance among HHs, optimal practices would be disseminated by extension workers. Lack of land, high feed prices, and low productivity were identified as important constraints in the study area, whereas boosting milk demand, revenue, and knowledge through extension services were studied as potential options for milk production. Keywords: feeding practices, Holstein Friesian, milk composition, milk yield