Effect of feeding hydroponic maize fodder in the milk yield of crossbred dairy cows.

A 60 day lactation trial was conducted using 12 lactating cross bred cows by randomly allotting them into two groups of 6 animals each (control and treatment) to study the effect of replacing green fodder with hydroponic maize fodder on milk yield and composition, fat and SNF. The average heights (cm) of whole hydroponic maize plant during the 7 day growth period were 1.53, 2.78, 6.03, 10.1, 16.03, 22.13 and 30.97 on 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7th day, respectively The daily average milk yield (kg) increased by 2.9 per cent in cows fed rations supplemented with hydroponic maize fodder as compared to those fed control ration. However, the difference between the two groups was not significant (P>0.05). The daily average butter fat content of milk of lactating crossbred cows was 3.61±0.36 and 3.56±0.17 per cent in control and treatment groups, respectively. The average solids not fat per cent in control and treatment groups was 8.42±0.12 and 8.34±0.19 per cent, respectively. However, the difference between the groups was not significant (P>0.05). The SNF per cent of milk decreased marginally in crossbred cows fed hydroponic maize fodder as compared to those in the control group, but the differences were not significant (P>0.05). It was concluded that replacement of hydroponic maize fodder resulted in marginal increase in milk yield and decrease in fat and SNF content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]