Effects of concentrate replacement with hydroponic oat on milk yield and milk composition at the Ghion Agro-Industry dairy farm

Abstract This research addresses the hypotheses that replacing concentrate with hydroponic oats will increase milk yield, quality, and economic feasibility in crossbred cows. Nine lactating cows were grouped in a 3 × 3 changeover design with three periods, each consisting of 30 days in 3 treatments: T1 (0%), T2 (20%) and T3 (40%). The collected data were evaluated using the Statistical Analysis System software. The present study revealed that hydroponic oat fodder contained 25% dry matter, 5% ash, and 13.3% crude protein and an increment in fiber components. T2 presented a relatively high feed intake of 13.8 kg/d. The milk yield was similar between T2 (9.8 kg/day) and T1 (9.7 kg/day), but it was lower in T3 (8.2 kg/day). Except for fat and total solids, the milk composition differed significantly ( p < 0.05) between the treatments. The body condition scores were similar between the treatments. The net return is statistically equivalent between T1 (170.4 euro) and T2 (141.2 euro). Treatment 2 improved dry matter intake and milk component protein, lactose and solids not fat; without affecting, milk, yield and fat content, total solids of milk constituents, economic return or body condition scores in dairy cows. Thus, 20% replacement may enhance certain milk quality components without affecting the yield or profitability of Ethiopian crossbred dairy cows. The result should be taken carefully and further research is needed to determine its potential for dairy cattle feeding using large herds, long duration and across different farms. These may help to better explain the mechanism behind these results.