A multivariate analysis of variance of feed intake, Milk, and manure yields of crossbreed dairy Cows Across different diets0225

Abstract

Dairy farming plays a crucial role in Kenya’s agricultural sector, contributing 6% to 8% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product. Enhancing the efficiency of commonly used diets in this sector is of utmost importance. This study aimed to investigate the overall effect of six treatments on three response variables in dairy cows, namely, feed intake, milk yield and manure yield. Improving the efficiency of dairy farming diets is essential for the growth and sustainability of the industry in Kenya. However it is necessary to identify the effects of the treatments on key variables such as feed intake, milk yield and manure yield to make informed decisions and optimize dairy production. Understanding the effects of different treatments on feed intake, milk yield, and manure yield in dairy cows can lead to improved practices and increased efficiency in the dairy sector. This knowledge can contribute to better decision making regarding diet formulation and resource allocation, ultimately benefiting farmers, dairy industry, and overall economy. Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) was employed to evaluate the effect of six treatments, namely Napier grass (A), Napier grass and Lucerne Hay (B), Napier grass silage (C), Napier grass silage and Lucerne Hay (D), Rhodes grass (E), and Rhodes grass and Lucerne Hay (F) on six crossbreed cows. Treatments were randomly allocated within each block and the experiment was conducted at the Dairy Research Institute (DRI) of the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO) in Naivasha. This study employed a Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) using Pillai’s Trace test statistics to determine the overall treatment effects on the three response variables. The analysis revealed a statistically significant multivariate effect [Pillai′sTrace = 1.2137, F = 3.3971, P<0.05] among the six treatments on feed intake, milk yield and manure yield with effect size Partial Eta Squared (η2 p=0.40). This indicated a moderate effect, where 40% of the variance in the overall dependent variables was attributable to the treatment factor, suggesting that the treatments had a moderate influence on the overall dependent variables under study. To further examine the significant difference within the treatments, a Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA), a multivariate Post-Hoc test was conducted. The results identified two groups of treatments: (A, B,C, and D) and (E,F). The study provides valuable insights into the effect of different treatments on feed intake, milk yield, and manure yield in dairy cows. The findings can guide farmers in making informed decisions regarding diet formulation and optimizing dairy production.