The Role of High-Quality Bulk Feeds in the Formation of Productivity, Health and Profitability of Dairy Herd

In the context of the intensification of dairy farming, an increase in feed costs and the need to switch to sustainable production systems, the problem of providing high-yielding cows with high-volume feeds of appropriate quality is becoming particularly relevant. The aim of our research is to establish the effect of the quality of bulky feeds (hay, silage, haylage) on productivity, milk composition, physiological condition and economic efficiency of feeding dairy cows with the same diet structure. Unlike most studies that address the issues of energy or protein saturation of diets, this study focuses on the qualitative characteristics of bulky feeds as a key factor in the physiological usefulness of nutrition. The methodological basis of the work was a production experiment involving 100 cows in the first third of lactation, divided into two equal groups. Milk yield, milk composition, blood biochemical parameters, dietary intake, and economic parameters were studied for 120 days. The use of feed exclusively of the first class made it possible to significantly increase milk yield by 8.8%, increase the fat content and protein content of milk, reduce the level of somatic cells and improve metabolic processes, which was confirmed by an increase in the amount of glucose, total protein and albumin in the blood. Additionally, an increase in the conversion of dry matter and an increase in net profit of 6.6 thousand rubles per head were established. The limitation of the study is to conduct experiments within the framework of a single enterprise with a single breed of cattle. Multifactorial field experiments are promising areas, taking into account weather and climatic differences, as well as technological features of forage harvesting and storage. The results obtained underline the strategic importance of the quality of bulk feeds for the biological and economic sustainability of dairy production.