Effect of methionine supplementation on the production of Friesian Holstein dairy cows

Abstract

A lack of certain amino acids, particularly methionine can lead to a number of issues in dairy cow output. This research aimed to evaluate the impact of methionine supplementation on the productivity of Friesian Holstein dairy cows during their lactation phase. The observational study was carried from January 2022 to December 2023 at a dairy farm located in West Java. A total of 82 Friesian Holstein dairy cows that had recently calved or were in the early stages of lactation, with a BCS from 3.25 to 3.75. The cows were housed in one barn. They were fed a total mixed ration (TMR) consisting of corn silage, alfalfa hay, and concentrate, which had a crude protein content of 16% and a total digestible nutrient (TDN) level of 67%. The treatments applied were T0 = Ration without methionine supplementation (control) and T1 = Ration with 25g/head/day methionine supplementation. The treatment was given during lactation until the cows gave birth again in the next period. The parameters observed included average feed intake (AFI), milk yield, milk quality factors such as fat, protein, lactose and fat-to-protein ratio. The analysis used was descriptive analysis with the Independent Sample T-test using SPSS 25. The results showed that methionine supplementation (T1) had a significant effect (P<0.05) for increasing on average feed intake (AFI) and milk quality such as fat, protein, lactose and fat protein ratio and did not have an impact on milk yield.