Effect of adding of licorice root powder to the diets of local Friesian cows on the yield and chemical composition as well as on hematological and blood biochemical parameters

Abstract

Three non-pregnant local Friesian cows were used after milk peak at the third production season .They divided into three groups. The 2nd and 3rd experimental groups were fed on standard ration supplemented with 100 and 200 g. of licorice root powder cow/day respectively, while the 1st experimental group fed on standard ration only consisted mainly of barley, wheat bran, yellow corn ,crumb rice and soybean meal during three experimental periods. The results indicated that percentages and daily quantities of fat, protein and lactose in milk were significantly (P≤0.05) increased in the 3rd experimental group compared to the 1st experimental group. Also red and white blood cell count,percentages of the packed cell volume,lymphocytes, monocytes, hemoglobin, total protein ,globulin and glucose were significantly (P≤0.05) increased,while the neturophil percentage, cholesterol and triglyceride were significantly(P≤0.05) decreased in the 2nd and 3rd experimental groups compared to the 1st experimental group.The results indicated that concentrate feed intake, normal and adjusted milk yield were not significantly affected by licorice root powder. It is concluded that supplementation 200g cow /day of licorice root powder had improved milk yield, fat and protein percentages, decreased the milk yield cost and had no effect on all blood parameters.