Starch, sugars and protein feeding improved milk components in lactating Buffaloes

Buffalo is the most important dairy animal in Pakistan. It produces 60% of the country gross milk production through 44 million heads. Buffalo milk is enriched with health beneficial fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. The major milch breed is Nili Ravi which is dispersed around Chenab and Ravi rivers in Punjab. A Buffalo produces 2200 liters of milk during 10 months of lactation. Buffalo milk demand is high but its production is low. To increase milk production, proper energy and protein are required to buffaloes. Productivity and nitrogen efficiency in lactating Nili Ravi buffaloes can be improved in cost-effectively by changing nutritional strategies. Increasing energy (starch) in dairy animals can cause many metabolic problems and decrease milk fat, as milk price depend on fat.

Based on these objectives, two experiments were performed at Livestock Experiment Station Pattoki, to determine the nutrient requirements with the replacement of alternative source of energy in buffaloes in early lactation and mid lactation. In the first experiment, twelve early lactating buffaloes were used. Three diets were fed to buffaloes with three levels of starch and sugar. Replacement of dietary starch with sugar as an alternative source of energy increased milk fat content, yield and body weight in early lactating buffaloes. In the second experiment, sixteen mid lactating buffaloes were enrolled to investigate the effect of starch and protein feeding. Four diets were fed with two level of starch and two level of protein. Milk nitrogen efficiency was increased by decreasing protein. Buffalo can perform well with low starch feeding. Feed costs could be saved by using less corn grain compared to high corn grain, as corn prices are increasing.