On-Farm Monitoring of Feed Effects on Milk Yield and Composition in Crossbred Dairy Cows at Gidole Town, Ethiopia

Abstract

The study was conducted at Gidole town to evaluate the impact of three feeding practices (low, medium, and better-off)
on milk composition and yield in Holstein Friesian crossbred dairy (HFCD) cows at the farm level across three lactation
stages (early, mid, and late). In the study area, challenges and opportunities for dairy production were thoroughly
assessed. Data were collected from 12 systematically selected households (HHs), representing the three feeding groups
(poor, medium, and better-off), shortly after cows gave birth. During early lactation, three feeding households had daily
milk yields (DMYs) of 3.61± 0.23, 8.25± 0.69, and 9.47± 0.88, respectively. The DMY was 3.64± 0.75, 7.81± 0.87, and
9.37± 0.71 amid lactation. Across all lactation stages, the feeding groups exhibited significant differences in DMY, fat
content, protein levels, and lactose composition (P < 0.05). The cows’ diets directly influenced these variations. Given
the reported differences in dairy cow performance among HHs, optimal practices would be disseminated by extension
workers. Lack of land, high feed prices, and low productivity were identified as important constraints in the study area,
whereas boosting milk demand, revenue, and knowledge through extension services were studied as potential options
for milk production.
Keywords: feeding practices, Holstein Friesian, milk composition, milk yield