The effects of some agricultural By-products on blood metabolites, chewing behavior and physical characteristics of dairy cow diets

This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of feeding ensiled mixed tomato and apple pomace (EMTAP) on blood metabolites and chewing behavior of dairy cow. Six multiparous Holstein dairy cows in mid lactation were used in 3×3 Latin square design and fed alfalfa hay plus concentrate mixture with three levels replacement with EMTAP (0, 15, 30%) during 63 days. Results showed that, differences between treatments were significant. Feeding EMTAP resulted in higher glucose, cholesterol, BHBA, triglyceride, and total protein (P<0.01) concentrations then control diet. Data showed that, total eating time (hours per day) was not significantly (P > 0.05) affected by treatments, but time spent eating, ruminating and total chewing activity per daily intake (kg) of DM and NDF decreased significantly with increasing EMTAP in diet. It was concluded that, EMTAP can efficiently replace up to 30% alfalfa hay. The nutritive value of tomato and apple pomace could be improved when they are used together (50:50) in dairy cows diet. [Farzad abdollahzadeh, Rahim Abdulkarimi. The effects of some agricultural By-products on blood metabolites, chewing behavior and physical characteristics of dairy cow diets . Life Sci J 2012;9(4):270-274] (ISSN:10978135). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 39