Author(s):

Abdullahi Alhaji Musa, Neeraj and Bhaskar Choudhary

Abstract: A trial was conducted on twelve (12) crossbred lactating cows to compare the effects of sodium bicarbonate (bicarb), probiotics and their combination on milk yield, milk composition and dung score. 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. The data were statistically analyzed, mean fat percent was significantly (p>0.05) on T1 than T0 (control) followed by T3 and T2 with least on T0. Milk yield and lactose were also significantly increased (p>0.05) by inclusion of probiotics, interaction of probiotics + bicarb. However, milk acidity, protein percent, SNF and CLR was not significantly influenced by test ingredient. The results revealed effectiveness of bicarb to increased fat percent while probiotics increased milk yield and lactose content. Cows dung was also observed under consistency method; Score 2 was observed on T2 while score 3 on T0, T1 and T3. By hand feeling method, score 1 was observed on T2 while score 3 on T0, T1and T3 being equal. The results indicated the effectiveness of probiotics up 10g support higher digestion and microbial performance in the rumen environ compared to other treatment groups.

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