Effects of feeding sodium bicarbonate and multi-strain probiotics on milk yield and milk composition of lactating Holstein Frisian crossbred cows

Abstract

A trial was conducted on Twelve (12) Holstein frisian crossbred lactating cows to compare the effects of sodium bicarnate (bicarb) multi-strain probiotics (probiotics) and their interaction on milk yield and milk composition. The cows were grouped in to four (4) with three (3) cows in each treatment group. They were fed according to treatment group viz: T0 compounded feed (control), T1 compounded feed + 120g sodium bicarbonate, T2 compounded feed + 10g probiotics and T3 compounded feed + 100g sodium bicarbonate + 5g probiotics. The experiment lasted for a period of 21 days including 10 days adaptation period. Data were statistically analyzed, mean fat percent was significantly (p>0.05) on T1 than T0 followed by T3 and T2. Milk yield and lactose were also significantly increased (p>0.05) by inclusion of probiotics, interaction of probiotics + bicarb than control group. However, milk acidity, protein percent, SNF and CLR was not significantly influenced by test ingredient. The results indicate interaction of bicarb + probiotics did not have any unique influence on milk yield or its composition as compared to individual test ingredients in different treatment.