Effect of Supplementation of Rumen Bypass Fat on Live Body Weight, Milk Yield, Milk Composition and Body Condition Score of Graded Murrah Buffaloes

Abstract

Background: During early lactation, the nutrient requirement of cows and buffaloes will be increased and at the same time, the feed intake is lowered due to stress of parturition. During this condition, depletion of body nutrient store occurs and the animal becomes weak day by day due to negative energy balance. Therefore to overcome the negative energy balance due to low feed intake, an alternate energy-dense ingredient is required. The bypass fat overcomes the negative energy balance and maintains animal body weight as well as milk production. Hence, undertook the present investigation. Methods: The present research was carried out in 10 graded Murrah buffaloes to study the effect of supplementation of rumen bypass fat on live body weight, milk yield, milk composition and body condition score during early lactation. The body weight, milk yield, milk composition and body condition score were recorded at weekly intervals before and after supplementation of rumen bypass fat. Result: Highly significant increase in live body weight, body condition score and milk production was observed, whereas a non-significant to a significant increase in milk fat and protein was recorded. The present study found a significant decrease in milk SNF and a highly significant decrease in milk density percentage. Non-significant effect on milk lactose was recorded. Therefore, it is concluded that supplementation of bypass fat could improve live body weight, body condition score and milk production in graded Murrah buffaloes.