Evaluation of supplementing Nigella Sativa meal to local dairy cows ration on milk production, composition and nutrients digestibility

Abstract

Nine local healthy lactating Sharabi cows in their first month of lactation were selected from Al-Rashidiya farm/ State board of agriculture research/ Ninava governorate. These cows were randomly divided into three groups having semi-similar daily milk production. The first group was fed on a standard concentrate ration composed of 15.5% crude protein and 2745 Kcal/Kg. Metabolisable energy as recommended by N.R.C., ;(1975). The second and third groups were given the same rations except that 28 ( 13% NSM) and 56% ( 26% NSM ) of total crude protein was replaced by Nigella sativa meal which were added, respectively. The rations were individually offered to the cattle according to the live body weight and average daily milk yield. Wheat straw was given to the cows of all groups in a quantity representing 1% of live body weight. However, milk production of each cow was daily calculated and chemical analysis of milk samples were weekly carried out. The feeding trials lasted eight successive weeks. At the last week, a digestion trial was carried out. The results indicated a significant improvement (p<0.05) was found in the cow groups consumed a ration contain 26% Nigella sativa meal in comparison with other groups consuming concentrated ration and wheat straw. Also the results indicated a significant difference (p<0.01) in the daily milk yield among all groups, these values were(8.3 ,8.9 and 10.1) kg/cow/day, respectively. However, the results indicated a significant (p<0.01) improvement in the digestion coefficient of crude fiber and the values were (55.6, 84.1 and 90.4)%, respectively. It can be concluded from the study that addition of Nigella sativa meal in the ration of 26% into native daily cows rations as a source of vegetable crude protein improved milk production with no adverse effect on its composition. In addition, such supplementation improved feed intake and increase the digestion coefficients of all nutrients of these rations.