Effect of Feeding Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) Seed Husk on Nutrient Digestibility of Lactating Crossbred Cattle

Abstract

The present study evaluated the effect of dietary tamarind seed husk supplementation on nutrient intake and apparent nutrient digestibility in lactating crossbred cattle. Twenty-one crossbred lactating cows were selected based on milk yield, body weight, number of completed lactations, and days in lactation and were randomly allotted to three treatment groups, with seven animals in each group. The dietary treatments consisted of a control ration without tamarind seed husk, a ration containing 2.5% tamarind seed husk, and a ration containing 7.5% tamarind seed husk. The animals were fed for 90 days, followed by a five-day metabolism trial during which feed intake, faecal output, and related samples were recorded and analysed. The inclusion of tamarind seed husk affected nutrient intake and digestibility. Dry matter intake decreased from 6.90 kg/day in the control group to 6.55 and 6.30 kg/day in the 2.5% and 7.5% supplementation groups, respectively. Dry matter, organic matter, and crude protein digestibility were significantly higher in the control treatment and declined with tamarind seed husk supplementation. Ether extract intake and digestibility increased with higher supplementation levels. Neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre, and crude fibre digestibility did not differ significantly among treatments. The findings indicate that tamarind seed husk inclusion altered nutrient utilisation in lactating crossbred cows, with higher inclusion reducing dry matter, organic matter, and crude protein digestibility while improving ether extract digestibility.