Effects of Alfalfa Hay and Peanut Hay in Total Mixed Ration on the Performance of Periparturient Dairy Cows: Insights from a Field Trial in Thailand

Abstract

Forty Holstein Friesian dairy cows were used to compare alfalfa (ALF) and peanut hay-base (PNT) total mixed 
rations on performance in periparturient period. Twenty cows were fed ALF diet (16.5% crude protein) and 20 
cows were fed PNT diet (19% crude protein). All cows were routinely drenched once daily with propylene glycol 
as early as 1 week prior to anticipated calving date, until 7 days after calving. Blood samples were collected at 
2, 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks from parturition. Milk yields were recorded daily and milk samples were collected twice a 
week to determine urea nitrogen concentrations and milk composition. During the 4 weeks postpartum, daily dry 
matter intake of cows did not differ between the two groups. Serum glucose, non-esterified fatty acid, 
hydroxybutyrate and urea nitrogen concentrations did not differ between the two groups at any sampling times. 
After calving, decreased glucose and increased nonesterified fatty acid and -hydroxybutyrate concentrations in 
the blood indicated that cows in both groups went into negative energy balance status. Serum urea nitrogen 
concentrations did not change during the sampling period. Cows fed PNT diet seemed to have higher urea 
nitrogen concentrations in the milk than cows fed ALF diet. Average milk production during the 30 days 
postpartum was greater for cows fed ALF diet than those fed PNT diet. Milk composition did not differ between 
groups. Although, average days from calving to first service did not differ between groups, cows fed ALF diet 
had better conception rate at first service than cows fed PNT diet. In conclusion, cows fed ALF diet could 
improve milk yield and conception rate. However, in Thailand, replacing PNT with ALF hay in total mixed ration 
would depend on the economic analysis because ALF hay was exported from a foreign country.