Cassava peel as a replacement for corn in the diet of lactating cows

• DOI: 10.1007/s11250-015-0776-9
• Publication Date: 2015-02-17T10:54:47Z
• Authors: Viviany Lúcia Fer...; Marcelo de Andrad...; Geraldo Tadeu dos...; Julio Cesar Damas...; Kelly de Oliveira; Bruna Calvo Agostino; Paula Martins Olivo; Luciana Felizardo...; Janaina de Lima S...
• Keywords: 2. Zero hunger; Silage; Manihot; Rumen; 04 agricultural and veterinary sciences; Animal Feed; Zea mays; Diet; Dairying; 0404 agricultural biotechnology; Animals; Lactation; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Cattle; Female; Animal Husbandry

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the replacement of corn with cassava peel in the diets of dairy cows. Eight Holstein cows were used. The experimental treatments consisted of four replacement levels of corn with cassava peel (0, 33, 66, and 100 %). The replacement of corn with cassava peel linearly decreased the intake and digestibility of dry matter and organic matter, but did not alter the intake of neutral detergent fiber and crude protein. In addition, there was a linear decrease in milk production. The milk components (g/kg) of fat, protein, lactose, and total solids were not altered. Although cassava peel decreased intake, digestibility, and milk production, the replacement of corn with cassava peel may be advantageous in locations close to the starch industry.