Effect of feeding chamomile by-product (matricaria chamomilla) on performance of lactating buffaloes) [electronic resource].

Includes references.

The effects of chamomile by-product (flower after oil extraction) on lactating buffaloes diets were nutritionally evaluated through digestibility. feeding values and lactation trials. Nine Lactating buffaloes weighed 550 ± 10 kg in average at the 3rd to 5th parity of lactation were used. Feeding trial was initiated at 45 ± 3 days post partum, where each buffalo was served as its own control and the experimental diets were fed in successive duration. The treatments were D1 (control) composed of 50% concentrate mixture (CM) + 25% berssem hay (BH) + 25% wheat straw (WS). The 25% berseem hay and 25% of wheat straw of the control ration (D)) were each replaced at 25,50 and 100% by chamomile by-product in D2, D3, and D4. respectively. The rcsults revealed that buffaloes fed diets containing chamomile by-product showed the highest values of digestibility coefficients and feeding values compared with control ration. Also, buffaloes when fed D4 showed the highest milk yield and its composition followed by those fed D3,D2,and D4 (control ration). respeclively. From economical point of view the chamomile by-product containing diets reduced feeding costs needed to produce 1 kg 4% FCM especially that contained 50% chamomile by-product (D4 ) and 25% chamomile by-product (D3 ). It could be concluded that chamomile by-product can safely, successfully and economically replace up to 100% of both berseem hay and wheat straw in rations of lactating buffaloes.

Summary in Arabic.

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