Effects of Feeding Marula [Sclerocarya birrea (L.)] Seed Cake on Milk Yield and Composition for Lactating Dairy Cows

Aim: To investigate the effect on milk yield and composition of feeding Marula (Sclerocarya birrea) seed cake as a protein source to lactating dairy cows.

Study Design: Nine multiparous Friesian dairy cows in mid-lactation were assigned to a 3 x 3 Latin square design (three replicate).

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture and Consumer Sciences, University of Swaziland, between September 2014 and December 2014 (90 days).

Methodology: The treatments were as follows: Control diet (CD) - containing 100% CP from SBM; Marula seed meal (MSM) - diet containing 100% crude protein (CP) from Marula seed cake (MSC); and soya bean meal (SBM) + Marula seed cake (SBM+MSC) - diet containing 50% CP from MSC and 50% from SBM, and. Milking was done twice daily and the milk yield was recorded. Milk samples were stored at -18°C pending chemical analysis.

Results: The results of substituting SBM with MSC indicated no significant (P = .05) differences in dry matter intake (DMI), milk yield and composition among the diets. Milk yield was 19.5 litres per day across the diets. Milk protein ranged from 3.16% (CD) to 3.29% (SBM+MSC) while milk fat ranged from 3.23% (CD) to 3.73% (MSM).

Conclusion: The study shows that dairy cattle diets can be formulated using MSC as a protein source while maintaining or increasing dry matter intake, milk yield and composition of dairy cows. It indicates that MSC, which is a by-product in oil extraction companies, is a valuable protein feed resource that holds profitable potential in animal production.