Pigeon peas as a supplement for lactating dairy cows fed corn silage-based diets

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Dairy Nutrition
• Ruminant Physiology

Background:

• Dairy cows require adequate protein for optimal production.
• Alternative protein sources are sought to replace traditional supplements like soybean meal.
• Pigeon peas (Cajanus cajan) are a potential legume-based protein source.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effects of replacing concentrate feeds with pigeon peas on dairy cow performance.
• To assess the impact of pigeon pea supplementation on ruminal fermentation and milk composition.
• To determine the suitability of pigeon peas as a protein supplement in Holstein cow diets.

Main Methods:

• Seven rumen-cannulated Holstein cows were used in a replicated 3x3 Latin square design.
• Diets consisted of a corn silage base with control, 10% pigeon pea (P10), or 20% pigeon pea (P20) concentrate.
• Measurements included dry matter intake, milk yield, milk composition (fat, protein, fatty acids), and ruminal fluid parameters (pH, ammonia, VFA).

Main Results:

• Pigeon pea diets (P10) increased dry matter intake compared to the control in one period.
• Milk protein was higher in the P20 group than the P10 group.
• Energy-corrected milk was greater for the control diet compared to P10.
• Ruminal fluid VFA profiles were altered, with changes in acetate and propionate concentrations.
• Ruminal ammonia concentrations peaked 8 hours postfeeding, consistent with plant protein digestion patterns.

Conclusions:

• Pigeon peas can be incorporated into dairy cow diets as a protein supplement.
• Replacing conventional concentrates with pigeon peas did not adversely affect milk production or dry matter intake.
• Pigeon pea supplementation influenced ruminal VFA and ammonia profiles but maintained a stable ruminal pH above 5.5.
• Further research may explore optimal inclusion levels for specific production goals.