Biofuel industry produces by-products such as palm kernel cake (PKC) that can be utilized in various supplementary feeds. These cakes boast high levels of protein, fat and fiber which make them an excellent source of energy.
PKC supplementation increases milk fat concentrations (FatConc) in dairy cows, improving body condition and decreasing milk fever symptoms.
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It is a source of energy
Palm kernel cake (PKC) is a dry, gritty and very hard meal commonly used as dairy fodder. Studies have indicated that adult cattle can handle an intake of 2-5 kg daily.
PKC is an ideal energy source for dairy cows due to its high protein and low fat content. Furthermore, PKC contains plenty of sulphur-containing amino acids.
This oil contains several saturated fatty acids, such as lauric acid and palmitic acid. However, it lacks monounsaturated fats, with only about 15% linoleic acid present.
In addition to containing various vitamins and minerals, broccoli is an excellent source of phosphorus and potassium. Not only does this provide energy for dairy cows but it helps reduce milk fat, improves digestive tract efficiency, and promotes good rumen fermentation. Furthermore, supplementing dairy cows’ diets with broccoli may boost their immune system; promote healthy skin & hair; as well as aid with fertility.
It is a source of protein
Palm kernel meal is a nutrient-rich by-product of oil palm processing. It provides dairy cows with protein and can be used year-round to boost milk solids production.
It is an affordable and safe supplementary feed ingredient, ideal for adding high energy feeds. Furthermore, it contains rumen-stable fat as well as sulphur-containing amino acids.
This byproduct of the palm oil processing industry comes mainly from South East Asia and serves as a stock feed with 4%-11% Oil, 15%-18% Crude Protein and 12-12 MJ ME/kg dry matter (energy).
PKE can be fed as a supplementary feed to most classes of livestock and is an economical dietary supplement. It contains essential minerals like calcium, copper and magnesium.
It is a source of fat
Dairy cows typically get their main source of fats from whole oilseeds such as soybeans, cottonseeds, linseeds and canola seeds; however it’s also common to feed palm kernel meal for extra nutrition.
The meal is a by-product of palm oil production, made from the pulpy mass that remains after oil extraction. It’s highly digestible for monogastric animals such as beef cattle and dairy cows.
It contains high levels of energy, protein and fat that make it ideal for ruminant feeding.
It is an excellent source of dietary fibre, which can be fed as a straight feed or blended with other feed ingredients. Furthermore, it contains minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium that aid fertility levels and milk quality. Furthermore, its low salt and sodium content makes it cost-effective to feed dairy cows this type of feed.
It is a source of fiber
Palm kernel is an excellent source of digestible fiber for dairy cows. It can be fed in many ways, including blended into the diet or compounded as a feed supplement.
Non-starch digestible fibre energy (NFE) and highly rumen friendly. Furthermore, its high concentration of phosphorus helps improve pasture growth when applied as fertilizer through animal manure.
This makes it a suitable ingredient for dairy cows on pasture. However, it’s essential to understand how it affects various parameters in these dairy cows.
This review revealed that feeding palm kernel in dietary supplements did not significantly alter the intake of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, ether extract, neutral detergent fibre or total nonfibrous carbohydrates. Furthermore, it had no effect on glucose or urea nitrogen concentrations in milk. These results indicate that palm kernel should not be included as an ingredient for nutritional supplements when lactating dairy cows are pastured.
