Technical and economic study of two tropical leguminous forages to feed dairy cows in the northwest region of the Dominican Republic.

摘要

A study was conducted to evaluate the use of two tropical forages as a partial substitute of feed concentrate in dairy cattle in the Northwest of the Dominican Republic. A total of 12 cows (Holstein, Brown Swiss and Jersey crosses) were studied; milk production and viability were evaluated. Animals received one of three regimens: supplementation with 8 kg concentrate per day; 4 kg of concentrate and 5 kg of leguminous forages; or 4 kg of concentrate and a grass-leguminous forage mixture ad libitum. The experiment was conducted for 10 weeks and milk production was measured every day. Results showed no significant differences in milk production between animals on the three different regimens. Treatment with 4 kg concentrate and 5 kg leguminous forages was determined to give the best economic returns..