Analysis of milk production profitability according to variation in the carbohydrate source used in the supplementation of Holstein cows

Abstract

In Latin America, Colombia is the fourth largest milk producer. The high cost of food supplies can limit the profitability of this activity. The price of corn as an energy ingredient widely demanded by the food sector and biofuel production is one of the factors that most influences food costs. This work aimed to evaluate the profitability of milk production according to the carbohydrate source used in the supplementation of grazing Holstein cows. Treatment 1 (T1) included corn (Zea mays) as the main source of energy (in the supplement) in Treatments 2, 3, and 4, approximately 50% of the total digestible nutrients (TDN) provided by corn were guaranteed by sorghum (Sorghum vulgare, T2), cassava (Manihot esculenta, T3), and citrus pulp (Citrus sp., T4). Although there were no statistical differences among treatments regarding milk production and compositional quality (p > 0.05), the inclusion of cassava improved the income from milk sales by positively affecting the base price of the product (grams of protein and fat produced). In addition, the inclusion of cassava reduced the cost associated with supplementation and the total cost of production of a liter of milk, which ultimately improved the profitability indicators evaluated. It was the treatment that included citrus pulp that registered lower profitability, due to its lower availability and higher acquisition costs.