In vitro, in situ and in vivo comparison of two feeding regimes in water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) under tropical conditions
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48165/ijvsbt.22.1.50Keywords:
Water buffalo, formulated diet, rumen fermentation, productive performance, regionalAbstract
The increasing demand for animal protein requires efficient production systems adapted to tropical conditions. Water buffalo farming is a variable option due to its hardiness and productive potential. This study compared the fermentative and productive performance of buffalo fed a commercial diet or a diet formulated with regional ingredients. Ten weaned male buffalo (230 ± 20.0 kg) were randomly assigned to the two diets for a 60-day fattening period. Dry matter intake (DMI), average daily gain (ADG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and feed efficiency (FE) were recorded. And in vitro and in situ rumen fermentation assay were conducted. DMI and final weight did not differ between diets (P > 0.05). The formulated diet increased ADG by 30.4% with a trend towards significance (P = 0.09) and improved FCR and FE (P > 0.05). The commercial diet promoted greater in vitro gas production and nutrient degradations, and a higher soluble fraction in situ, whereas the formulated diet increased the potentially degradable fraction and lag time. Overall, the diet formulated with regional ingredients maintained comparable, and biologically superior, productive performance to the commercial diet in beef buffalo under tropical conditions, despite lower degradability in vitro and in situ.
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