Effect of Supplementing Selenium Yeast and Vitamin E on Performance of Lactating Buffaloes

Abstract

To assess the effect of supplementing selenium (Se) yeast and vitamin E on milk yield, milk composition and milk somatic cell count (SCC), twenty four lactating Murrah buffaloes were selected and divided into four groups of six each viz. T0 (control) and T1, T2, T3. Buffaloes under T1 were supplemented with Se (0.3 mg / kg DMI), while those under T2 were supplemented with vitamin E (40 IU / kg DMI); the group T3 were supplemented with a combination of Se (0.3 mg / kg DMI) and vitamin E (40 IU / kg DMI) during trial period of 90 days. Milk yield of the experimental animals was recorded daily; Milk samples were collected weekly for milk composition (fat, protein, lactose and solid non fat) and SCC was done fortnightly. The results indicated that the DM, TDN, DCP intake, milk yield, FCM yield and milk composition i.e. protein, fat and total solidswere non significant among experimental groups. However, Milk SNF percent was significantly (P≤0.05) higher in T3 group. Milk lactose percent was significantly higher (P≤0.01) in supplemented groups than control. SCC was significantly (P≤0.01) lowered in T3 group. Thus, in the present study Se yeast and vitamin E supplementation to Murrah buffaloes had non significant effect on DMI, TDN, DCP intake and milk yield, where as milk SNF and lactose percent was significantly increased with reduction in SCC in the supplemented group.