Citrus Pulp as an Alternative Energy Source for High-Yielding Dairy Cows in Tropical Systems: Effects on Intake, Digestibility, Nitrogen Balance, and Dairy Performance

This study evaluated the impact of incorporating citrus pulp (CiP) into the rations of high-producing dairy cows under tropical conditions. Eighteen lactating dairy cows were assigned to two dietary treatments: corn meal (CM) or CiP as the main energy source. Dairy cows were allocated to a crossover design comprising two 21-day periods. The rations were formulated to be isocaloric and isonitrogenous. Replacing CM with CiP reduced the intakes of dry matter (19.9 vs. 19.5 kg/d), organic matter (17.9 vs. 17.4 kg/d), digestible organic matter (12.3 vs. 11.7 kg/d), and crude protein (3.43 vs. 3.35 kg/d), while increasing neutral detergent fibre intake (7.39 vs. 7.63 kg/d). Apparent total tract digestibility decreased for all nutrients, including DM, OM, CP, NDF, and ADF, when CiP replaced CM. Milk production was lower in cows fed CiP than in those fed CM (23.7 vs. 22.7 kg/d), although milk feed efficiency (milk/DMI) was not different. An economic analysis showed that cows fed CM had higher milk gross income and income over feed cost. These results suggest that the partial replacement (60%) of CM with CiP may negatively affect feed intake, nutrient digestibility, milk production, and profitability in dairy cows in tropical regions.