Effect of different feeding strategies on lactation and reproductive performances of dairy cows in the semi-arid region
Abstract
Dairy farming in Algeria relies on a simple diet composed of dry forage, corn silage, and concentrates in varying proportions. The present study aimed to evaluate and compare lactation and reproduction performances of dairy cows fed according to three different feeding rations: a total mixed ration (TMR G1), TMR supplemented with alfalfa pellets (G2), and a conventional feed (G3) where forage and concentrates are distributed separately. Eighteen primiparous Montbéliarde cows, with an average initial body weight of 511 ± 66.98 kg were monitored over two lactations. Cows received G3 ration had the highest average live weight and body reserves (554 ± 46.72 kg) compared to G1 (505 ± 96.55 kg) and G2 (462 ± 38.73 kg) (p
Fields of Study & Subjects
Ruminant Nutrition and Digestive Physiology
Reproductive Physiology in Livestock
Milk Quality and Mastitis in Dairy Cows
Publication details
- Journal / source
- The Indian Journal of Animal Sciences
- Volume
- 95
- Issue
- 10
- Pages
- 920–925
- Publication date
- 12 February 2026
- Language
- EN