Effect of Feeding Rumen Bypass Fat on Productive and Reproductive Performance of Buffaloes under Field Conditions

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of supplementation of bypass fat one month pre-parturition and three months of early lactation on milk production and reproductive performance of buffaloes. Thirty two multiparous pregnant buffaloes (2-3 lactation) were selected at farmers’ doorstep in Dahod District, Gujarat, and were divided into two equal groups, each of 16 animals, on the basis of their milk production and fat % during previous lactation. Animals in T1 group (n=16, control) were fed as per farmers’ feeding schedule, and those in T2 group were additionally supplemented with bypass fat @ 100 g/h/d during prepartum and 20 g/kg of milk yield during postpartum phase. The overall average whole milk yield (kg/head/d) of buffaloes was significantly (p<0.05) higher in bypass fat group T2 than control T1 (5.43±0.07 vs. 4.50+0.04). The fat percentage was significantly (p<0.05) higher (6.77±0.09 vs. 5.84±0.04) and SNF was lower (10.68±0.18 vs. 11.32±0.16) in bypass fat supplemented group. The average daily yields (kg/head/d) and cumulative yields (kg/head) of whole experimental period of fat, SNF, 6% FCM, SCM and ECM were significantly (P<0.05) higher in bypass fat group. However, average milk constituents, viz., total solids, protein, calcium and phosphorus were statistically similar in T1 and T2 groups. Daily feed cost (Rs. 101.66±0.45 vs. 92.98±0.64) and average realizable receipt from sale of milk (Rs. 231.12±1.46 vs. 165.88±1.39/head) were (p<0.05) higher in T2 group over control, and thus average daily profit increased per buffalo was Rs. 56.56 over control. Postpartum first heat was earlier by 14 days with significantly (p<0.05) reduced number of AIs per conception (1.63±0.13 vs. 3.88±0.20) and service period (129.46±9.61 vs 187.70±11.89 days) in bypass fat group compared to control group. The findings indicated that supplementing bypass fat to buffaloes @ 100 g/head/day one month before parturition and 20 g/kg milk yield during early lactation is advantageous in terms of increased milk yield, 6% FCM yield, with improved postpartum fertility and higher daily profit per buffalo.