Effect of Pre-partum Strategic Supplementation of Concentrates on Colostrum Quality and Performance of Buffalo Calves

Abstract

Strategic concentrate mixture supplementation during pre-partum period was studied on 24 pregnant buffaloes (10–12 weeks before calving), randomly divided into two equal groups viz., control and treatment, to ascertain the effect on birth weight of calves, colostrum yield and quality, blood-biochemical profile, immune status and growth performance of calves. The pregnant buffaloes in control group, were fed as per farmers’ practice (0.5–1.0 kg concentrate), while in treatment group specially formulated concentrate mixture was provided at 2.0–2.5 kg per day along with the basal diet ad libitum wheat straw. Strategic supplementation of concentrate mixture in treatment group significantly (P<0.05) improved total DM intake as compared to control. Colostrum yield was significantly (P<0.01) higher in treatment group and the chemical composition of colostrum was improved (P<0.01) as compared to control. Total immunoglobulins (Ig), IgG and IgM in colostrum and calf serum were significantly (P<0.05) higher in treatment group relative to control. The birth weight and average daily gain of calves up to 120 days of age were significantly (P<0.01) higher in treatment group. It may be concluded that the strategic supplementation of 2.0–2.5 kg of concentrate mixture to pre-partum buffaloes significantly improved the performance of dam as well as birth weight, immune status and growth performance of buffalo calves.