Evaluation of feeding steam treated bagasse pith on milk production and blood parameters of dairy buffaloes

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of feeding steam treated baggase pith of sugar cane (STP) in feeding of buffalos. Eight milking buffaloes with the average live weight 541 ±47.5 kg were used in a complete randomized design with 4 treatments and 4 replications during 84 days. Diets contained forage: concentrate ratio 45:55. Concentrates were included amounts of 0,10,20 and 30 percent of steam treated pith bagasse (STP) witch replaced with beet pulp sugar. Results indicted that, there were significant differences (P<0.05) affected by the diets. Diets included 20 and 30% STP had greater milk production with no differences in milk composition. Buffaloes fed 0 % STP had low milk fat and protein where as buffaloes had 30% had higher milk yield. The mean rumination times between treatment diets were significantly different (P<0.05). However, significant differences (P<0.05) were observed in plasma glucose and cholesterol concentrations in the experimental buffaloes cow. Buffaloes fed 30% STP had higher plasma insulin concentrates in response to a glucose challenge.