Energy, protein, dry matter, and water gap analysis in dairy cows kept under cut and carry fodder-based feeding systems

A study was conducted to determine the DM, water, protein, and energy intake of lactating dairy cows and compared with their requirements for potential milk production under a cut-and-carry fodder-based feeding system in Rwanda’s lowland and highland regions. Ninety-six dairy cows from 96 smallholder farms were purposively included in the data collection process. Data on feed characterisation were computed using the Farm DESIGN models while data on cows’ production requirements were calculated using LIGAPS dairy models. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and a GLM with univariate analysis in the Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Results on feed characteristics showed that the mean nutritive value of the served fodder was 25% DM, 58.5% NDF, 9.8% CP, and 6 MJ of metabolisable energy ( ME ) per kg DM. Results showed the mean daily DM intake was 9 kg, daily water intake 35 L, 898 g of CP, and 55 MJ of ME, resulting in a mean daily milk production of 8.8L across both regions. However, the calculated average requirement for maintaining a dairy cow with a BW of 430 kg and potential milk production of 16.5 L/day was 15 kg of DM, 57 L of water, 1 907 g of CP, and 137 MJ of ME. This resulted in daily deficits of 6 kg DM, 21.6 L of water, 1 094 g of CP, and 83.7 MJ of ME. Available fodder was low in quantity and quality for the provision of nutrients for maintenance and production to express the genetic potential of lactating cows in smallholder farms.