Tomato leaf waste as an alternative feed for Holstein heifers: A sustainable approach

İngilizce (OpenAlex)

This study aimed to investigate the potential of adding fermented tomato leaves (FTL) to the diet of Holstein heifers. Sixty Holstein heifers were divided into two groups, control and treatment, respectively. The control group was fed a TMR (Total mixed ration) diet without FTL, while the treatment group was fed a TMR diet containing 5.19% FTL by replacing alfalfa hay. Both of diets were designated to be isocaloric and isonitrogenic. The body weights of animals were measured monthly untill conception. Animals in the study were inseminated using the recto-vaginal method after exhibiting signs of estrus. Pregnancy was confirmed using transrectal ultrasonography on the 19th to 21st days after insemination. For non-pregnant animals, the ovsynch protocol was used to ensure that all animals were pregnant. Blood samples were collected from each animal three times upon confirmation of pregnancy and analyzed for glucose, β-Hydroxybutyric acid (βHBA), non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA), cholesterol, triglyceride, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), IgG, and total protein. It was found that the addition of FTL at the rate of 5.19% did not significantly affect the body weight and fertility parameters compared to the control group. However, it significantly reduced the feed consumption. On the other hand, while adding FTL significantly increased the IgG level (P<.0001); it did not affect other blood parameters. It was concluded that the FTL which is a waste, could be used as an alternative feed material without changing the fertility parameters in heifers, thus preventing environmental pollution and achieving economic gains.