The Value of Hematocrit, Hemoglobin, and Lymphocytes of Lactating Friesian Holstein with Supplementation of Urea Molasses Multi-Nutrient Block Containing Cement Substituted by Tapioca Meal

Urea Molasses Multi-nutrient Block (UMMB) is a compact, nutrient-rich ruminant feed supplement. Generally, UMMB adhesive material is the cement that keeps the UMMB in shape so it doesn't crumble. Tapioca meal can be an adhesive for UMMB production because it has a high starch content. This study aimed to determine the value of hematocrit, hemoglobin, and lymphocytes of lactating Friesian Holstein fed UMMB substituted cement adhesive by tapioca meal. Twenty (20) lactating Friesian Holstein was divided into 5 dietary groups in a completely randomized design, and each treatment had 4 cows as replicates. The dietary treatments consisted of UMMB with 100% cement adhesive (A0); 75% cement + 25% tapioca meal (A1); 50% cement + 50% tapioca meal (A2); 25% cement + 75% tapioca meal (A3); and 100% tapioca meal (A4). The results revealed that the dietary treatments had a significant (P<0.05) effect on the values of hematocrit and hemoglobin, which the substitution of tapioca meal of more than 50% caused the decreased values of hematocrit and hemoglobin. On the other hand, the dietary treatments did not significantly (P>0.05) differ in the value of lymphocytes. The value of hemoglobin and lymphocytes were within the threshold, while the hematocrit level was below the threshold.