Protected Nutrient Technology for Crossbred Cattle

The management of feeding plays a significant role in maintaining high levels of milk production in high-producing dairy animals, particularly during the transition period, which is the three weeks prior to and three weeks after parturition. Proper nutrition during this time is critical to the health, production, and profitability of the dairy. Although nutrition and management of cows during the transition period have received considerable attention in developed countries, developing countries like India have paid relatively less attention to this issue. Although some technologies, such as protected fat and protein alone or in combination, have been implemented by a few dairy farmers, many are still unaware of their importance in managing the transition period. The impact of these technologies on early lactation performance and post-partum reproduction has been studied in detail in this book, with a focus on their profitability. The role of energy nutrients as bypass fat and protein as bypass protein, both in isolation and in combination, has also been discussed in relation to regaining a positive energy balance after parturition and its impact on increased milk yield and improved post-partum reproduction.