Effect of Feeding Hydroponic Maize Fodder Replacing Concentrate Feed Partially on Milk Yield and Composition in Lactating Tellicherry Goats

Author: P. Tensingh Gnanaraj, S. Gunasekaran, K. Rajkumar, D. Balasubramayam, B. Murugan and T.R. Pugazhenthi

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Abstract

Inadequate availability of green fodder is a significant challenge in livestock farming, particularly in regions with limited arable land or during dry seasons. Hydroponic fodder production presents a promising alternative, offering the potential to increase green fodder availability through vertical farming techniques. This study investigated the impact of feeding hydroponically grown maize fodder as a partial replacement for concentrate feed in the diet of lactating Tellicherry goats. A 30-day feeding trial was conducted on twelve crossbred Tellicherry does in their second lactation. The does were randomly divided into two groups (T1 and T2) with no significant difference in average body weight (31 kg). T1 received roughage from conventional green fodder and concentrate feed, while T2 received hydroponically grown maize fodder replacing 10% of concentrate feed. The results revealed no significant differences (P>0.05) in body weight changes, milk yield (T1 - 889.28 ml/day vs T2 - 847.28 ml/day), milk fat content (T1 - 2.35% vs T2 - 3.05%), or milk protein content (T1 - 3.37% vs 3.32%) between the groups. These findings suggest that hydroponic maize fodder is a viable alternative and can replace up to 10% of the concentrate feed in the ration for lactating Tellicherry does

Keywords

Goat, Hydroponic fodder maize, Lactation study, Milk yield, Milk composition

Conclusion

This study investigated the potential of hydroponically grown maize fodder as a partial replacement for concentrate feed of goat. Based on the above findings, both feeding strategies offered similar milk yields. The hydroponically grown maize fodder can be effectively incorporated into the diets of lactating goats without compromising their milk production potential. There were no significant differences observed in milk yield, milk fat and milk protein content between goats fed hydroponic maize as a partial replacement (10 %) of concentrate feed. These results suggest that hydroponic fodder can be a valuable addition to livestock feeding strategies

References

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How to cite this article

P. Tensingh Gnanaraj, S. Gunasekaran, K. Rajkumar, D. Balasubramayam, B. Murugan and T.R. Pugazhenthi (2024). Effect of Feeding Hydroponic Maize Fodder Replacing Concentrate Feed Partially on Milk Yield and Composition in Lactating Tellicherry Goats. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 16(10): 75-77.