Effect of balanced feeding on snf content of milk: A field study

A study was undertaken to assess the impact of feeding a balanced ration on the SNF content of milk and production performance in crossbred cows in Kozhikode district. Out of 133 animals screened, 73 crossbred cows were identified with low SNF. Milk yield, milk fat, SNF and net daily income of milk producers were recorded before and after feeding a balanced ration. Nutritional status of animals indicated that about 37% of the animals had either deficiency of protein or energy in the ration, whereas, ration of 100% of the animals was deficit in calcium and phosphorus. On feeding a balanced ration for 8 weeks, there was significant improvement in SNF content of milk from 7.93 to 8.93% in cows. Average daily milk yield and milk fat increased from 10.36 to 11.67 kg and 3.98 to 4.35%, respectively. This translated into an additional daily monetary benefit of about Rs. 44 per animal to the milk producers. Rumen microbial protein and levels of serum immunoglobulins increased, on feeding a balanced ration. The study demonstrated that feeding a balanced ration not only helped in improving SNF content of milk, but also resulted in improving daily income of small-holder milk producers.