Effect of heat moisture treated cassava (Manihot utilissima) on milk composition of early lactating crossbred cows

Abstract

A 90-day study examined how the supplementation of heat-moisture treated (HMT) cassava (Manihot utlissima) to the diet of early lactating crossbred cows affect their milk composition. Twenty cows were randomly distributed into four groups: a control group (T1) receiving a standard diet, and three groups (T2, T3, and T4) that received the standard diet plus 250g of cassava, each with different number of HMT cycles, daily. All cows received green fodder and paddy straw as roughage. The cows' body weights and daily dry matter intake were similar across all groups throughout the study. Milk component level showed no significant differences among treatment groups. The findings suggested that a 250g daily supplement of HMT cassava does not significantly alter milk composition of early lactating crossbred cows.