Effect of Betel (Piper betle) Leaves Supplementation on Nutrient Utilization, Milk Yield and its Quality in Lactating Crossbred Cows

x The study was conducted to assess the effect of supplementation of Piper betle on rumen ciliate protozoal population, enzyme profile, nutrient utilization and milk yield in lactating crossbred cows. Twelve lactating crossbred cows with an average milk yield of 5.4 +/- 0.78 kg/d were divided into two equal groups (G1 and G2) and fed individually under stall feeding for 90d on a mixed ration containing green fodder (maize) and concentrate mixture. Cows of G1 group were supplemented with 100 g Piper belle leaf powder/animal/day along with concentrate mixture. No significant differences were noticed between the two groups for daily dry matter intake, nutrient digestibility and plane of nutrition. However, rumen protozoal population decreased (P<0.01) about 51% due to supplementation of Piper betle leafs. Daily milk yield and milk composition were not influenced by the dietary treatment. Gross efficiency as well as net efficiency of dietary nitrogen utilization for milk production was improved due to supplementation of Piper betle leafs. The results indicated that dietary supplementation of Piper betle leafs was beneficial in terms of to reduce rumen ciliate protozoal population and to improve dietary nitrogen utilization for milk production, but it did not alter feed digestion and milk production in diary cows.