Spineless cactus plus urea in replacement of tifton 85 hay in Holstein lactating dairy cows diet

The experiment was carried out with the objective to evaluate the nutrient intakes and milk production and composition of lactating cows fed with rations containing different levels ( 0; 12,5; 25,0; 37,5 and 50.0%) of spineless cactus (Opuntia ficus Mill) and urea in substitution to the tifton grass hay. Five cows was distributed 5 x 5 Latin square experimental design. The dry matter and organic matter showed a quadratic effect with the inclusion of spineless cactus and urea. The crude protein intake and milk fat were not affected by the inclusion of spineless cactus and urea in the diet. Nonfiber carbohydrates and total digestible nutrients intakes, feed efficiency, milk production and 3,5% fat corrected the milk production increased, while neutral detergent fiber and water intakes linearly decreased with the inclusion of spineless cactus and urea in the diet. The inclusion of spineless cactus and urea in substitution of tifton grass hay increases the energy intake and the milk production.