Eighteen lactating Friesian cows were assigned to three equal groups to

study the effect of protected fat and palm oil supplemcntation on digestibility

efficients, rumen fermentation, some blood constituents, milk yield and its

omposition and reproductive performance during early lactation. The cows in the

rst group were fed a basal ration only (G,). While, ¡n the other two groups 3% of

ncentrate feed mixture was replaced by protected fat (GD) or palm oil (G3). The

perimental period lasted 15 weeks after calving.

Digestibility trials were carried out and rumen liquor samples were collected

the end of the experimental period. Blood samples were regularly collected from

imals at 3 week interval starting from day 21 after calving. Milk yield was recorded

aeekly, while its contents were analyzed once every three weeks. S

Results indicated that feeding protected fat and palm oil significantly (P < 0.05)

reased digestibility coefficients of DM, 0M, CF, EE and NFE and subsequently

and DCP values compared to control group, while, ruminai pH and

ncenirnrinn of TVFA's were not affected. Adversely, ammonia-nitrogen

ncentration decreased significantly (P < 0.05) with supplementations.

Concentrations of total protein, albumin, globulin, total lipids and HDL ¡n blood

were highest in cows fed ration supplemented with palm oil. Cows fed

tecteci fat expressed the highest concentrations of total cholesterol, LDL and

çlycerides compared with the other two groups.

Actual milk yield and 4% fat corrected milk were significantly (P < 0.05) high

tc cows fed protected fat followed by cows ¡n G3, while the lowest levels were found

he control group. Yields of milk fat, protein, lactose, total solids and solids not fat

re significantly (P < 0.05) higher for cows fed protected fat and palm oil compared

cows fed the control rations.

Days open in G3 recorded the longest period followed by G2 and the least was

i ‘i,. Number of insemination per conception in G2 was 2.0 being insignificantly less

Dan that G and G3 (2.5). Conception rate within 150 day postpartum and after the

insemination was significantly (P <0.05) higher in G3 compared to G, and G2.

This study indicated that protected fat and palm oil supplementation in ration

iairy cows improved their feed efficiency and reduced the intake of DM and DCP

ired to produce 1 kg 4% FCM. Moreover, economic efficiency for cows fed

ted fat and palm oil was significantly higher compared with cows fed control