Energy, protein, dry matter and water gap analysis in dairy cows kept under cut and carry fodder- based feeding system.

There is a gap in dry matter, water, energy and protein intake of dairy cows kept in cut and carry fodder-based feeding systems in Sub-Saharan countries, Rwanda included. Data on feed characterization were computed using the FarmDESIGN models by Groot and Oomen (2016), while data on cows’ production requirements were calculated using LIGAPS dairy models. Data were analyzed using a general linear model (GLM) in SPSS. Results on feed characteristics showed that the average nutritive value of the offered fodder was 25% dry matter (DM), 58.5% neutral detergent fibre (NDF), 9.8% crude protein (CP), and 6 MJ of metabolizable energy (ME) per kg DM. The average daily feed intake was 9 kg DM, 35 litres of water, 898 g of CP, and 55 MJ of ME, resulting in milk production of 8.8 litres per day across both sites. However, the average requirement for maintaining a dairy cow with a body weight of 430 kg and a target milk production of 16.5 litres per day was 15 kg of DM, 57 Litres of water, 1907 g of CP, and 137 MJ of ME. This resulted in daily deficits of 6 kg DM, 21.6 litres of water, 1,094 g of CP, and 83.7 MJ of ME, along with a 7.6-litre shortfall in daily milk yield. Available fodder in the dry season is low in quantity and quality for sustaining maintenance and milk production and measures of storing enough fodders that are of good quality are much needed. These findings will be used by researchers in developing dairy diet models at the household level. For dairy feed manufacturers, this analysis will guide proper rationing of high-concentrate ingredients rich in energy and protein, in line with cows’ nutritional requirements. Identifying the gap in available feed resources will encourage farmers to adopt effective feeding management practices that enhance energy, protein, and water intake leading to improved milk production.