<b>Protected fat and variable level of protein in diets of crossbreed cows in early lactation

• Main Authors: Alcy Heleno de Souza Júnior, Rogério de Paula Lana, César Roberto Viana Teixeira, Mateus Pies Gionbelli, Cristina Mattos Veloso, Luciana Navajas Rennó
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Editora da Universidade Estadual de Maringá (Eduem) 2016-01-01
• Series: Acta Scientiarum: Animal Sciences
• Subjects: concentrate; dietary protein; digestibility; intake; lipid supplementation; milk yield
• Online Access: http://186.233.154.254/ojs/index.php/ActaSciAnimSci/article/view/29150
• ISSN: 1806-2636; 1807-8672

Current study evaluated the inclusion of protected fat and different levels of crude protein (CP) in the diet of crossbreed cows in early lactation. Twelve cows were distributed in a 4 x 4 factorial design, with four treatments (12 or 16% CP, with or without MEGALAC-E®). Statistical analyzes with ANOVA and Pearson’s linear correlation procedures were performed. Protected fat did not affect intake of dry matter (DM) and organic matter (OM) (p > 0.05). Increased CP raised consumption of CP and EE and decreased the non-fiber carbohydrates (NFC; p <0.05). Protected fat increased (p <0.05) the digestibility of DM, OM, CP and ashes in the lower protein content. CP increase raised the level of blood and urinary urea (p < 0.05). There was no difference (p > 0.05) on milk yield and composition due to protected fat or CP rates. Since the inclusion of protected fat and higher content of CP (16%) in the diet did not benefit the production and composition of milk in crossbreed cows, diets with 12% CP without the inclusion of protected fat are recommended.