Effects of Ensiled Apple Pomace on Milk Yield, Milk Composition and DM Intake of Holstein Dairy Cows

Most developing countries are facing difficulties in providing sufficient food for their animals. Apple Pomace (AP) is a by-product obtained when apples are pressed to make juice. Using such by-products for animal feeding is a means of recycling which otherwise, if accumulated, might cause environmental pollution. The purposes of the current study were to determine the effect of Ensiled Apple Pomace (EAP) on milk production, milk composition and DM intake of Holstein dairy cows. Three multiparous lactating Holstein dairy cows were allocated to 3 diet treatments according to a 3-period cycling change over design in a 3x3 (3 periods and 3 diets) with Latin Square arrangement. The treatments were 1, control diet (no EAP), 2 (15% EAP) and 3 (30% EAP) DM basis. There were no significant differences between treatments on milk yield and milk composition. DMI (Dry Matter Intake) was lower (p<0.01) for treatment 2 compared to treatment I or treatment 3. The effects of treatments were significant on FCR (Feed Conversion Ratio) and FE (Feed Efficiency). Treatment 2 had lower (p<0.05) FCR and higher (p<0.05) FE than the others. According to results of this study it may conclude that EAP can substitute successfully at diets up to 30% without negative effect on milk yield and milk composition (percentage of fat, protein and SNF).