Effects of Different Energy and Protein Level of TMR on Milk Production of Dairy Goats in Early Lactation

The objective of this experiment was to investigate effects of total mixed ration (TMR) of different nutrition level on milk production in dairy goats (Sannen). Twenty four lactating goats were randomly assigned to one of four TMRs; medium energy-medium crude protein (CP) TMR (control), high energy- medium CP TMR (T1), medium energy-high CP TMR (T2) and high energy-high CP TMR (T3). The content of total digestible nutrients (TDN) and CP in the control diet were 67.0% and 13.9%. The TDN content of the high energy TMR was 73.7% and the CP content of the high CP TMR was 15.3%. Milk yield was significantly (P<0.05) higher for T1 (2,198±115 ml) than for T2 (1,742±52 ml) and T3 (1,984±90 ml). But there were no significant differences in milk composition between the treatments. Daily body weight gain was increased in T1 and T3 but reduced in control and T2. The result of the present study showed that dietary energy level supplied more than that of NRC recommendation did not affect milk yield of dairy goats in early lactation but prevented body weight loss. (Key words : Dairy goat, Milk production, TMR, Nutrient level)