Cocoa byproduct in diets for dairy heifers

ABSTRACT This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of substituting Tifton 85 hay (Cynodon sp. cv. Tifton 85) with levels of cocoa (Theobroma cacao) byproduct (0, 8, 16, and 24%, diet dry matter basis) in the diet of 16 Holstein × Gir heifers with an average body weight of 363.0±27.7 kg on their nutrient intake, digestibility, and protein balance. The experimental period was 17 days, and the sample collection period was five days. There was no effect of cocoa byproduct on nutrient intake. However, the byproduct affected the digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber, all of which decreased as the level of inclusion of the byproduct in the diet was increased. Nitrogen balance was negatively affected by the inclusion of 24% cocoa byproduct. It is recommended to use cocoa byproduct up to the level of 16% to replace Tifton 85 grass hay in diets for dairy heifers.

摘要 本研究旨在评估以可可（Theobroma cacao）副产品（占日粮干物质的0%、8%、16%和24%）替代蒂夫顿85号干草（Cynodon sp. cv. Tifton 85）对16头平均体重为363.0±27.7 kg的荷斯坦×吉尔杂交奶用后备母牛的养分采食量、消化率及蛋白质平衡的影响。本实验周期为17天，其中样品收集阶段为5天。研究结果显示，可可副产品对受试牛的养分采食量无显著影响，但可显著影响干物质、粗蛋白质、中性洗涤纤维及酸性洗涤纤维的消化率，且上述各项指标均随日粮中副产品添加水平的升高而降低。当日粮添加24%可可副产品时，受试牛的氮平衡受到负面影响。综上，建议在奶用后备母牛的日粮中，以可可副产品替代蒂夫顿85号干草的添加水平不应超过16%。