Physiological Response of Holstein Friesian Supplemented with UMMB Containing Natural Adhesive

Abstract

Urea molasses multi-nutrient block (UMMB) is a feed supplement for dairy cows, made of fillers and adhesives. The commonly used adhesive is cement; however, cement is an inorganic material that can cause health problems for dairy cows. Therefore, its use must be substituted with organic materials such as tapioca meals, which have good gelatinization properties. Tapioca meal as a cement substitute needs to be tested through physiological responses, as this response indicates animal health. The objective of the research was to examine the physiological response of Holstein Friesian dairy cows supplemented with UMMB containing natural adhesive. The study used a completely randomized design (CRD) with a factorial pattern. Factor A was the time of measurement: morning (w1), noon (w2), and afternoon (w3), and Factor B was the cement:tapioca meal substitution level: 100:0 (P0), 75:25 (P1), 50:50 (P2), 25:75 (P3), 0:100 (P4). The results revealed that Factor A affected (P<0.05) physiological values, with the highest values during the day. Factor B had a significant effect (P<0.05) on respiration frequency and heart rate, where the higher the substitution level, the higher the physiological value of dairy cows. However, these physiological values remained within the normal range, i.e., rectal temperature (38.2–39.10°C), respiratory frequency (24-37 times/minute), and heart rate (58–84 times/minute), respectively. There was no interaction between Factors A and B, indicating that measurement time and tapioca meal substitution were not related in influencing dairy cows’ physiological values. It can be concluded that the physiological values for the dairy cows remained within the normal range even with the tapioca meal substitution at 100%. This could have positive implications for the health and well-being of dairy cows