Effects of Mineral Supplementation and Deworming on Improving Productive and Reproductive Performance of Jaffarabadi Buffaloes

Abstract

The present study was aimed to evaluate the impact of chelated mineral mixture and calcium supplementation combined with regular deworming on the productivity, reproductive performance, and economic returns of lactating Jaffarabadi buffaloes. The experiment involved 50 buffaloes of varying parities, managed by small and marginal farmers from the six different villages in Bagasara Taluka, Amreli District, Gujarat, over the period of 3 years (2020-23) under the Farmers FIRST Programme (FFP). Daily milk yield of the buffaloes prior to the intervention served as the control and milk yield data were collected monthly basis. The treatment group received a commercially available chelated mineral mixture @ 40 g and a calcium supplement at 50 mL/buffalo/day during the first 90 days of lactation, along with deworming at three-month intervals (Fenbendazole bolus 3g). Results showed a significant improvement in milk production in the treatment group, with average daily yields increasing from 7.16 litres (control) to 8.27 litres - a 15.64 % gain due to the intervention. Economic analysis revealed an additional gross return of ₹ 53.73 per buffalo per day. After accounting for input costs, farmers achieved an additional net return of ₹ 42.99 per buffalo per day, amounting to ₹ 12896 per buffalo annually, with a benefit-cost ratio (BCR) of 1.25. Farmers reported the intervention as practical and adoptable. An impact survey further showed that the technology was being adopted by neighbouring non-participant farmers, leading to increased milk yields and income. Overall, the intervention contributed to the socio-economic up-liftment of buffalo owners in the region.