Effect of Asparagus racemosus Supplementation on Milk Yield and Composition During Summer Stress in Jersey Crossbred Cows

Abstract

The experiment was conducted at the Livestock Farm Complex, Veterinary College and Research Institute (VCRI), Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (TANUVAS), Orathanadu, Thanjavur, India to study the impact of Asparagus racemosus supplementation on milk yield and composition in Jersey crossbred cows during April–May, 2020 was studied.  Twelve lactating crossbred cows were randomly assigned into two groups, as control and experiment. Experimental animals were given 200 mg kg^-1 body weight of Asparagus racemosus root powder. The research carried out for the period of 30 days. The amount of milk produced was recorded daily. The composition of each animal’s milk was analysed on weekly basis. The overall mean milk yield 6.38±0.13, 7.73 ±0.17 L, mean fat percentage 3.88±0.07, 4.68±0.12, mean protein percentage 3.46±0.02, 3.64 ±0.03, mean lactose percentage 3.65±0.04, 3.74±0.04, and mean solid non-fat percentage 7.73±0.06, 8.09±0.06 were obtained for control and experimental group respectively. The mean milk yield, fat percentage, milk protein percentage, lactose percentage and Solid Not Fat percentage were highly significant (p<0.01) in the experimental group as compare to control group. Supplementation with Asparagus racemosus substantially improved milk yield and milk composition in the present study. It can be used to alleviate the environmental heat stress in lactating Jersey crossbred cows.