Effects of Feeding Marula [Sclerocarya birrea (L.)] Seed Cake on Milk Yield and Composition for Lactating Dairy Cows
M. P. Mdziniso
Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture and Consumer Sciences, University of Swaziland, Luyengo, Swaziland.
A. M. Dlamini *
Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture and Consumer Sciences, University of Swaziland, Luyengo, Swaziland.
G. Z. Khumalo
Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture and Consumer Sciences, University of Swaziland, Luyengo, Swaziland.
J. F. Mupangwa
Department of Livestock and Pasture Science, Fort Hare University, Alice, South Africa.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aim: To investigate the effect on milk yield and composition of feeding Marula (Sclerocarya birrea) seed cake as a protein source to lactating dairy cows.
Study Design: Nine multiparous Friesian dairy cows in mid-lactation were assigned to a 3 x 3 Latin square design (three replicate).
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture and Consumer Sciences, University of Swaziland, between September 2014 and December 2014 (90 days).
Methodology: The treatments were as follows: Control diet (CD) - containing 100% CP from SBM; Marula seed meal (MSM) - diet containing 100% crude protein (CP) from Marula seed cake (MSC); and soya bean meal (SBM) + Marula seed cake (SBM+MSC) - diet containing 50% CP from MSC and 50% from SBM, and. Milking was done twice daily and the milk yield was recorded. Milk samples were stored at -18°C pending chemical analysis.
Results: The results of substituting SBM with MSC indicated no significant (P = .05) differences in dry matter intake (DMI), milk yield and composition among the diets. Milk yield was 19.5 litres per day across the diets. Milk protein ranged from 3.16% (CD) to 3.29% (SBM+MSC) while milk fat ranged from 3.23% (CD) to 3.73% (MSM).
Conclusion: The study shows that dairy cattle diets can be formulated using MSC as a protein source while maintaining or increasing dry matter intake, milk yield and composition of dairy cows. It indicates that MSC, which is a by-product in oil extraction companies, is a valuable protein feed resource that holds profitable potential in animal production.
Keywords: Marula seed cake, sustainable animal production, milk constituents, dry matter intake, body weight.