EFFECT OF USING MEDICINAL AND AROMATIC PLANTS IN RATION ON IN-VITRO RUMEN PARAMETERS AND THE PRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF LACTATING COWS

Abstract

This study was divided into two parts: first part (in vitro trial) was conducted to evaluate the effect of adding herbal and aromatic plants at 0, 1, 3, 5, 7% of total DM by in vitro rumen model. 400 ± 4 mg of feed sample (roughage and concentrate ratio of 45:55%) with each level. Degradability of dry matter (IVDMD) and organic matter (IVOMD), total gas production (TG) and metabolizable energy (ME) were studied. Significant effects were noticed for both plant and level. Significant differences were also observed between the highest level added compared with control in ammonia (NH3) and total volatile fatty acids (TVFA), IVDMD and IVOMD compared with control. Total gas production (TG) was significantly higher at levels 3,5 and 7%, especially with melissa treatment compared with other treatments. Metabolic energy (ME) was significantly higher in all treatments compared with control. Second part (in vivo trail) using swing over method, 13 Holstein-Friesian X Black and White Lowland crossbreed cows (in 3rd and 5th lactation seasons). The animals were divided into 5 groups (n=13), according to the maximal daily milk production during the first 90 days of the last lactation. The lowest digestibilty of DM, OM and CP were obtained with control treatment. On the other hand , cows fed caraway ration had the highest values of nutrients digestability. Nutritive values as TDN and DCP were significantly the highest in caraway treatment compared with other treatments and control.