PRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF LACTATING BUFFALOES FED RATIONS CONTAINING SUGAR BEET TOPS AND CORN SILAGES

Abstract

Sixteen multiparous lactating buffaloes after 8 weeks of calving and weighing 500 to 600 kg were used in a complete switch-back design with four groups. Buffaloes in the first group were fed the control ration (R1) consisted of DM basis of 60% concentrate feed mixture (CFM)+20% rice straw (RS)+20% berseem hay (BH), while in the other groups the rations consisted of DM basis of 40% CFM+20% RS+40% sugar beet tops silage (SBTS) and corn silage (CS) in different ratios; 2:1 (R2), 1:1 (R3) and 1:2 (R4), respectively. The digestibility coefficients of DM, OM, CF, EE and NFE, TDN value and the intake of DM and TDN increased significantly (P<0.05) with increasing the level of corn silage, however, CP digestibility, DCP value and CP and DCP intake increased (P<0.05) with increasing level of sugar beet tops silage in the rations. The pH value and NH3-N concentration increased (P<0.05) with increasing level of sugar beet tops silage, however, TVFA's concentration increased (P<0.05) with increasing level of corn silage in the rations. Buffaloes fed R3 recorded the highest (P<0.05) milk and 7% FCM yield, however, those fed R1, had the lowest yield. The percentages of fat, lactose and TS increased (P<0.05) with increasing the level of corn silage, however, the percentages of protein, SNF and ash increased (P<0.05) with increasing the level of sugar beet tops silage in rations. Animals fed R3 showed the lowest amounts of DM and TDN required per kg 7% FCM and R4 the lowest amounts of CP and DCP required per kg 7% FCM, however, those fed R1 revealed the highest amounts (P<0.05).