Short communicationEffects of yeast fermented-cassava chip protein (YEFECAP) on dietary intake and milk production of Holstein crossbred heifers and cows during pre- and post-partum period

The objective of this study was to evaluate effects of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) fermented-cassava chips (YEFECAP) on pre and postpartum intake and milk production of dairy cattle. Thirty two Holstein crossbred dairy cows were assigned to two treatments at 14-d prepartum throughout 60-d postpartum. Randomized complete block design (RCBD) was used (No. of lactation is block). The dietary treatments were concentrate feed with and without YEFECAP (control). Animals were fed concentrate twice daily in two equal parts (1.3% BW per day) and rice straw was given ad libitum during the 14-d prepartum. Animals were fed total mixed ration (TMR) with concentrate to roughage at 70:30 during the 60-d postpartum. The dry matter intake (DMI) tended to be higher (P<0.1) during the 14-prepartum and was higher (P<0.05) during the 60-d postpartum in animals fed a YEFECA diet compared to controlled diet. Animals fed a YEFECAP diet during the 14-d prepartum had a significantly higher (<0.05) crude protein (CP) digestibility and tended (P<0.1) to have higher dry matter (DM) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibilities than those fed a controlled diet. Digestibility of crude protein (CP) and NDF were improved (P<0.05) by the feeding of YEFACAP during the 60-d postpartum. Milk yield and milk composition were not affected by treatment. Based on this experiment, it could be concluded that dairy cattle fed a YEFECAP diet during the 14-d pre and 60-d postpartum could enhance dry matter intake, CP and NDF digestibility during the 60-d postpartum.