Efficiency of feed conversion and milk yield in Murrah buffaloes fed with linseed and linseed oil

Abstract

The present experiment was carried out to study the influence of feeding linseed and linseed oil on feed conversion and milk production efficiency (gross efficiency of milk production and gross protein efficiency) in lactating Murrah buffaloes. For this purpose, 18 lactating Murrah buffaloes were grouped in control (T0), T1 and T2 (06 animals in each) on basis of average live weight (516.55±9.53 kg), milk yield (7.50±0.3 kg), fat percentage in milk (6.70±0.29%) and lactation stage (2 weeks after parturition). Murrah buffaloes in all three groups were fed a same ration, consist of available green fodder, wheat straw and concentrate (69.03:30.97; roughage: concentrate ratio) to fulfill their nutrient requirement for maintenance and milk production of experimental Murrah buffaloes. In the treatment group (T1) 250 g/d linseed oil and 570 g/d whole linseed (T2) was supplemented with basal ration. The experimental feeding to the Murrah buffaloes was started 15 days after parturition and continues for 60 days. However, the experimental data were taken for the period of 6 months (i.e. 180 days). A 7 days digestion trial was conducted at the last of feeding experiment to know the digestibility of nutrient. The milk production, 4% FCM yield, SCM yield, ECM yield, change in body weight, dry matter intake and roughage to concentrate ration didn’t differ significantly between groups. No significant difference was observed in nutrient intake (TDN and CP) between groups. The digestibility of organic nutrient also didn’t differ significantly among experimental groups. The average gross efficiency of milk production was 26.51% and average gross protein efficiency of milk production was 36.49% and didn’t differ significantly. The average feed conversion efficiency as milk yield (kg) / DMI (kg) was 0.61, FCM yield(kg) / DMI (kg) was 0.86, average ECM yield (kg) / DMI (kg) was 0.89 and average SCM yield (kg) / DMI (kg) was 0.85 in lactating Murrah buffaloes. It was concluded that feeding linseed and linseed oil in lactating Murrah buffaloes didn’t affect the milk production efficiency (gross efficiency of milk production and gross protein efficiency) and feed conversion efficiency.