Alternative multi-nutritional blocks based on agro-industrial by-products for supplementation of grazing dairy cattle in the province of Alto Amazonas, Loreto

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Abstract
Multi-nutrient blocks (MNB) made from agro-industrial by-products can provide an affordable alternative to replace traditional corn and soybean meal inputs with an energy, protein balance in animal feed. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of BMN made from agro-industrial by-products on the productive performance of dairy cattle under an extensive system. Twelve Girolando cows were used, distributed in four groups of three animals for 30 days (10 days of adaptation and 20 days of evaluation). A completely randomised design (CRD) was used for 4 treatments: T0 control group consisted of consumption of Brachiaria grass (B. brizantha) and mineral salts. The animals in groups T1, T2 and T3 were supplemented with blocks made in equal levels with molasses, urea, mineral salts, common salt, lime, cement, palm oil and differentiated T2 and T3 with 30 % coconut cake and 30 % palm kernel meal, respectively. Daily milk production (g/animal/day), milk composition (protein, fat, lactose, total solids, %), and block matter intake (g/animal/day) were measured. The total dry matter intake (g/animal/day) in T1 821, T2 804 and T3 776 of the blocks, improved milk production by determining significant differences between the groups (p<0.01), evidencing a 30% increase in milk production. The results obtained in this study with BMN supplementation had a positive effect on milk production parameters, which could be attributed to the higher energy and nitrogen intake when used as a feed supplement for grazing cows.

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