Local feeding strategies and milk composition in small-scale dairy production systems during the rainy season in the highlands of Mexico

Abstract

The objective of the work was to identify local feeding strategies in small-scale dairy production systems during the rainy season in the highlands of Mexico, and to determine their effects on milk yields (MY), milk composition and economic viability. Twenty-two dairy farms were monitored by monthly visits, recording and sampling milk from between two and six cows in each farm, live-weight was also recorded. Samples from feeds used in that month were taken and feeds given to the dairy herd were weighed. Economic data was also recorded. Milk composition and milk urea nitrogen were determined, as well as chemical composition of feeds. Eighteen feedstuffs were identified, grouped in: HNH feeds-high in neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and in DM matter; HNL feeds-high in NDF but low in DM; HCh feeds-high in non-fibrous carbohydrates; and HCP feeds-high in crude protein. Four feeding strategies were identified: strategy 1 uses HND, HNL and HCP; strategy 2-HND, HNL, HCh and HCP; strategy 3 HNH and HCP; and strategy 4 HNL and HCP. Of participating farms, 73.4% followed strategy 1, 11.3% strategy 2, 11.3% strategy 4 and 3.8% strategy 3. There were no statistical differences (P > 0.05) between strategies for MY and milk composition, but there were differences (P < 0.05) for ration costs. Multiple regression analysis showed no significative (P > 0.05) model relating intake of feed groups and milk fat content, but milk protein and SNF contents were significantly explained by intake of HCP. When expressed as MY and milk components yield, milk fat yield was significantly explained by intake of all four feed groups, but milk protein and SNF yields were explained only by intake of HCP and LW. MUN excretion was explained also by HCP intake. All feeding strategies produced positive economic returns, on average generating the equivalent of 3.45 minimum wages of the area.

Feeding Forage Mixtures of Ryegrass (Lolium spp.) with Clover (Trifolium spp.) Supplemented with Local Feed Diets to Reduce Enteric Methane Emission Efficiency in Small-Scale Dairy Systems: A Simulated Study

“…In other countries, the herd size of SSDS is 1-10 cows in intensive and extensive systems (East Central Africa) [12] or 20 animals in all reproductive stages (Central Colombia) [13]. Fadul-Pacheco et al [14] previously characterized the SSDS in the study area, and Alfonso-Ávila et al [8], Martínez-García et al [9], Celis-Alvarez el al. [15], López-González et al [16], Jaimez-García et al [17], Sainz-Sánchez et al [18], Plata-Reyes et al [19], Becerril-Gil et al [20]; Burbano-Muñoz et al [21], Carrillo-Hernández et al [22], Gómez-Miranda et al [23], González-Alcántara et al [24], López-González et al [25], Marín-Santana et al [26], Rosas-Dávila et al [27], Vega-García et al [28], Muciño-Álvarez et al [29], identified different local feeding strategies used during the rainy and dry seasons.…”

“…The present simulation with dairy cows and research was performed previously with collaborating farmers in previous studies [8,9,17,18,25], following the procedures of the Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México. To determine the diet specifications, the following variables were kept constant: live weight (LW), days of lactation, milk yield, and chemical composition (Table 2) in all treatments.…”

“…In vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) was performed of each ingredient by the Ankom-Daiy method [17,34]. Other details on diet preparation, including the control and supplementation strategies, were described previously [8,9,30,31]. Dairy production is one of the main activities in Aculco, State of Mexico, where 82% of milk is destined for artisanal cheese production.…”

“…However, among small producers, there is resistance to reducing the amount of feed rich in CP in dairy cattle diets. Mostly, CP is supplied through commercial concentrates (>20% CP) at levels of 3 to 5 kg dry matter (DM)/animal/day in SSDS [8,9]. It is therefore recommended that animals graze pastures associated with legumes in order to reduce feed costs and cover their nutritional requirements; however, they often do not cover their energy or protein requirements, and hence farmers look for supplementation strategies with commercial concentrates or local byproducts, which reduce costs and allow them to cover their nutritional requirements throughout the year.…”

Effect of the inclusion of sunflower silage for cows in small-scale dairy systems in the highlands of Mexico

“…Effect of the inclusion of sunflower silage for cows in small-scale dairy systems in the highlands of Mexico A. Sainz-Ramírez 1 , J.G. Estrada-Flores 1 , E. Morales-Almaraz 2 , G. Flores-Calvete 3 , F. López-González 1 and C. M. Arriaga-Jordán 1* Introduction Small-scale dairy systems (SSDS) are an important source of food, income and employment in rural areas, and are an option for sustainable rural development. Their main limitation is feeds of low quality and poor genetic potential of livestock, although these systems have increased their contribution to world milk production (FAO and FEPALE, 2012).…”