Effects of Supplementation of Cotton Seed Oil on The Performance and Methane Emission of Lactating Dairy Cows

Abstract

      The effects of supplementation of cotton seed oil on the nutrient intakes, milk yield, and methane emission of lactating dairy cows were studied in lactating Holstein Friesian cows from Feb. 2015 to Sept. 2015. Twenty four cows (average weight of 557.3 kg at 3-5th lactating months, 2-6th lactation cycles and milk yield of 22.13 kg/cow/day) were allocated to a completely randomized design with 4 groups, each group with six replications. The control group received no supplementation cotton seed oil but basal diet and the experimental groups, apart from basal diet, were supplemented cotton seed oil with 1.5% (KP1,5); 3.0% (KP3,0) and 4.5% (KP4,5). The basal diet included corn silage, TRM feed and elephant grass (ad libitum). Results showed that the DM intake increased by 3.39- 6.82%, and ME intake increased by 6.25-14.43% in the groups fed cotton seed oil compared to the control group. Cotton seed oil supplements had no effect on DM digestibility at 1.5% but significantly reduced digestibility at the levels of 3.0-4.5%. The animals fed cotton seed oil supplements increased milk yield by 5.4-12.2% and reduced methane emission intensity calculated as L/kg FCM by 18,8- 37,9 (P > 0.05). As a result, the supplementation of cotton seed oil at 1.5- 3,0% in the diet improved animal performance and environment efficiency.