EFFECT OF HERBAL MIXTURE SUPPLEMENTATION IN TOTAL MIXED RATIONS ON NUTRIENT DIGESTIBILITY, METHANE MITIGATION AND MILK PRODUCTION IN INDIGENOUS DAIRY CATTLE

Abstract

A biological trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of a potential herbal mixture combination supplemented in total mixed rations on nutrient digestibility, enteric methane emission, milk production, milk composition, rumen fermentation characteristics, and haematological profile in indigenous dairy cattle. Twelve lactating Gir crossbred cattle were randomly allotted to two groups of six animals each and fed either a control total mixed ration or an herbal mixture-supplemented total mixed ration for 70 days. The rations were iso-nitrogenous and iso-caloric. Dry matter intake and nutrient digestibility were not significantly affected by herbal mixture supplementation. Methane emissions were significantly reduced in the supplemented group, both in g/cow/day and when expressed relative to body weight, metabolic body weight, dry matter intake, and digestible dry matter intake. Average daily milk yield increased from 4.20 to 4.63 kg/day, corresponding to an improvement of approximately 10.24%, while milk composition was not adversely affected. Rumen pH and ammonia nitrogen remained within the normal range, while total protozoa population was reduced by 19.58% in the herbal mixture supplemented group. Haematological parameters were not significantly altered. The results indicate that supplementation with the selected herbal mixture in total mixed rations can reduce methane emissions and improve milk yield in indigenous dairy cattle without compromising nutrient digestibility, milk quality, or animal health indicators.