Influence of Mango Feed-Based Diets on the Production and Economic Profitability of Montbeliarde Cows’ Milk at the End of Lactation in Burkina Faso

The study evaluated the effects of a diet incorporating a mango-based feed on the technical-economic performance of milk production of Montbeliard cows at the end of lactation in a dairy farm in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso. To do so, 14 cows were subjected to 3 diets, including an experimental diet incorporating mango (ED) in comparison to a balanced control diet (BCD) and to the feeding practice of the farmer (FCD) during 60 days. Results show that the average amount of milk milked per day from ED (10.93 ± 0.17 L) was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than BCD (8.80 ± 0.19 L) and RTA (5.39 ± 0.14 L). The conversion index of FPD (4.24 ± 0.14) was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that of BCD (1.75 ± 0.19) and ED (1.26 ± 0.16). Average feed costs per liter of milk (FC/L) were significantly different (p (125.95 ± 4.56 FCFA), BCD (83.67 ± 6.36 FCFA) and ED (60.06 ± 5.49 FCFA). The average gross profit margins (GPM) were significantly higher and decreasing (p ,953 ± 5031 FCFA), BCD (167,157 ± 5831 FCFA) and FCD (74,188 ± 4185 FCFA). Mango feed can be used in the diet of dairy cows. Its use contributes to the reduction of production costs and the generation of substantial profits. The valorization of mango residues is an alternative for a greater availability of feed at lower cost for the animals. It could contribute to a better management of processing residues that pollute the environment and to the reduction of fruit flies that affect orchard yields through reinfestation. The increased use of mango in dairy cattle feed should be encouraged.

Study on Reproductive Performance of Improved Hybrid from Chinese Holstein Cattle

In order to overcome the problems such as decline in adaptability, low fertility and few utilization years due to continuously increasing coefficient of inbreeding of Chinese Holstein cattle, three dairy-beef dual-purpose cattle varieties （purebred Simmental, Montbeliard and Fleckvieh） were introduced as the male parents to be hybridized with Chinese Holstein cattle, so as to study the improvement effect in the reproduction performance and milk production performance of the hybrid cattle. The results showed that the first-filial generation of Montbeliard had a very significant difference in gestation period from Chinese Holstein cattle （ P 〈0.01）. The parity of Fleckvieh s first-filial generation had a very significant effect on 305 d milk yield （ P 〈0.01）; and for the first-filial generation of Montbeliard, mating times and open days significantly affected 305 d milk yield （ P 〈0.05）, and its total milk yield had a significant difference from Chinese Holstein cattle （ P 〈0.05）. Comprehensively, the reproduction traits of Montbeliard s first-filial generation are better than other two varieties.