Effect of Yeast Culture and/or Fibrolytic Enzymes Supplementation on Productive and Reproductive Performances of Dairy Egyptian Buffaloes

Abstract

Twenty dairy buffaloes at late pregnancy and in 2-4 parties were divided into four groups fed control ration (G1), or the control ration with 10 g yeast (YC)/h/d (G2), 10 g/h/d fibrolytic enzyme (FENZ, G3) and 10 g YC+10 g FENZ/h/day (G4). The feeding period lasted from three months pre-partum up to 100 days postpartum. Results indicated that digestibility of DM, OM, CP, feeding values as TDN and DCP, actual and 7% FCM milk yield, percentages and components yield of milk and feed efficiency improved (P<0.05) by all treatments. Plasma total proteins, albumin, globulin and glucose increased (P<0.05) by FENZ. Ruminal pH value decreased insignificantly, while total volatile fatty acids and ammonia-N concentrations increased (P<0.05) with YC and FENZ. Supplementation with FENZ improved (P<0.05) calf birth weight (CBW), CBW/post-partum dam weight, weight at weaning, and daily and total gain. Reproductive traits improved by FENZ supplementation, in terms of decreasing (P<0.05) duration of placental drop and uterine involution, 1st heat incidence, days open and number of services per conception. Supplementation of YC and FENZ decreased (P<0.05) the cost of kg 7% FCM, and increased (P<0.05) income of 7% FCM, reflecting the highest economic feed efficiency.Pre- and post-partum diets supplemented with yeast culture and fibrolytic enzyme are beneficial to the digestibility, rumen fermentation, blood metabolites, milk production, feed conversion rate, economic feed efficiency, and postpartum reproductive performance of Egyptian buffaloes and growth performance of their offspring during suckling period.