Impact of Dairy Cow’s Comfort Using Zero-Flies Fence on Feed Intake And Nutrient Utilization

Abstract

Uncomfortable condition such as flies’ invasion may prevent cows in providing sufficient precursor for milk synthesis because of limited time for prehension, laying down for rumination and nutrient metabolism. An experiment to study the impact of zero-fly fence on feeding behavior, intake and nutrient utilization have been conducted. Twenty two lactating cows were used in an unbalanced experimental design. The experiment to test with (T1) or without (T2) zero-fly fence treatments. Fly population, cattle behavior, milk production and feed and nutrient intake were observed.  The result showed that zero-fly fence reduced fly population, increase feed intake and milk production. It is suggested to use the fence in area affected by flies’ invasion