Effect of Extruded Linseed Diet on Production and Reproduction Performance of Holstein Cows

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Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of extruded linseed on milk production, dry matter intake and reproduction performance of 300 Holstein lactating cows (35±15 days in milk; 41±9/8 Kg/day of milk production). Cows were utilized in a completely randomized experimental design, comprised of: 2 treatments (concentrate containing 7 percent extruded linseed vs control) with a number of 150 cows per treatment. Cows were fed a balanced total mixed ration (610 g concentrate /kg DM and 390 g forage /kg DM) 3 times daily, and milked 3 times daily. Cows in group 1 were fed TMR without extruded linseed (control); cows in group 2 were fed totally mixed ration with TMR with containing extruded linseed (7 percent of concentrate). Extruded linseed did not affect milk production and dry matter intake (P>0.05). Treatment of feeding cows with extruded linseed caused them to have higher Pregnancy rates, lower number of open days, and fewer number of inseminations (P<0.05). It was concluded that extruded linseed can increase reproduction performance of Holstein dairy cows in their early stages of lactation

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