Buffalo Milk Production Research Articles

Effect of feed supplementation through multi nutrient feed block (MNFB) on milk production, composition and reproductive behaviour of buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) – A field study in Arid Rajasthan

The Buffalo rearing is adopting faster rate in arid region of Rajasthan due to its multifaceted utility for both milk and meat. Despite of better management practice are adopted for buffaloes, they also depend upon grazing and poor quality of fodder to meet out their total dry matter intake. The concept of balanced feed with respect to mineral and vitamins are not aware by farmer’s community. Thus, the alternative low cost balanced feed was adopted in buffaloes under field condition to augment the milk production with optimum reproductive efficiency. MNFB was developed at feed technology unit of CAZRI, as solidified block of wheat bran, guar meal, dolomite, -minerals and vitamins mixture powder, salt, molasses and urea solution. The study evaluated feeding effect of multi-nutrient feed block on milk production and reproduction performances of lactating buffaloes. The Buffaloes under treatment were divided randomly into two groups and assigned to two dietary treatments under village condition. After calving, all the buffaloes in treatment group were dewormed with albendazole 3 gms and feeding of MNFB 2 blocks (2 kgs each)/week for 3 months during March to May. The control group received diet containing bajara (Pearl millet) kuti, dry grasses, crushed cotton and til (sesame) cake. Milk production, peak milk yield were increased highly significant. Fat percentage was significantly increased. All Observations were monitored as per format. In reproductive performances were like sign of oestrus, conception and post partum reproductive complication 90%, 86.6% and 0.06% in treatment group and 70%, 60% and 30% in Control group respectively. It was concluded that MNFB feeding improved milk yield, milk fat, general health status and reproductive performance of buffalos, as it is a good source of protein, energy, and minerals. It is recommended that MNFB should be used as a supplementation in lactating buffaloes when they area fed with low quality fodder in arid and semi arid region.

Genetic analysis of skin measurements and its relation with milk production in Murrah buffaloes reared under tropical conditions of Chhattisgarh plains.

The experiment was conducted at ABIS Buffalo Dairy Farm, Rajnandgaon, on 300 milking Murrah buffaloes. In buffaloes, the information on body measurements, skin thickness, and their associations with milk yield and interrelationship among them is scanty. Hence, the present study was designed to establish the relationship of skin thickness with milk production in Murrah buffaloes. The data was statistically analyzed using R statistical software. The average skin thickness of the neck, chest, abdomen, rump, hind quarter, udder, and flank regions were 6.27 ± 0.11, 6.13 ± 0.13, 7.28 ± 0.14, 9.78 ± 0.15, 8.00 ± 0.12, 4.14 ± 0.09, and 8.53 ± 0.12mm, respectively. In this study, the skinfold thickness of the neck and chest regions had a highly significant effect (P < 0.01) on the total lactation milk yield of Murrah buffaloes whereas skin thickness of other regions under study had no significant effect on total lactation milk yield. The results of the study revealed that parity and stage of lactation had a significant effect (P < 0.05) on the skinfold thickness of all the seven regions of Murrah buffalo under investigation. The study indicated that except for the udder region the correlation of all skin thickness with TMY was found to be negative and significant. The genetic correlations between milk yield and skin thickness of the neck, abdomen, and udder were low to medium. The heritability estimate for different skinfold thicknesses and milk yield in this study was low to medium. These results could facilitate further exploration in the use of skinfold thickness for management precision and can be useful in the selection of better animals under field conditions.

Productive and economic efficiency of milk production in the Arab Republic of Egypt

This paper Identifies factors that affect the productivity and economic efficiency of dairy breeders. The research problem is focused on low production efficiency (milk production in Egypt compared to other countries), which is reflected in the lower average consumption of Egyptian animal protein than the level of safety. The research aims to show milk producers' productivity and economic efficiency from its various sources in the Ibrahimi and Minya al-Qamh Centres in the Al-Sharkia governorate. The research used SPSS V. 20 in linear, logarithmic, and double images to reach the best images, the results of which are consistent with statistical and economic logic. The study proved that the most important factors affecting the production of cow's milk were the amount of concentrated feed and the amount of human action, while the factors affecting buffalo milk production were the amount of green and dry feed. We conclude from the indicators of economic efficiency that Minya al-Qamh is better than that of The Patriarchs (except buffalo in the first category and this is consistent with the results of the production functions because production is done in the non-economic phase).

Impact of climate on buffffalo milk production in Hajiawa sub-district

In the study area buffaloes have in the Kanimaran village, the climate elements are the most important natural factors that impact on buffalo’s yields directly and indirectly, buffalo products are change by the season due to change weather in the research area, the most significant climate elements is a temperature, especially hot temperature is a negative effect on it. In the territory buffalo is used for milk product and meat, I collected data in the fields. Buffalo milk production daily is about 2000 litre and it has a high quality, because it has a good climate elements.

Milk Yield of Dairy Buffaloes Supplemented with Yeast Solution and Yeast-fermented Cassava Pulp

Feed resource availability and quality are two of the major factors limiting dairy production in the Philippines. Utilization of microbial-based feed additives and agricultural by-products such as cassava pulp aided by fermentation technology can help provide the needed resource. This study aimed to determine the effect of activated yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) solution (AYS) and yeast-fermented cassava pulp (YFCP) on milk production and feed cost-efficiency in dairy buffaloes. The study followed RCBD design using 63 dairy buffaloes at the Philippine Carabao Center in Ubay Stock Farm, Bohol. The average daily milk yield (ADMY) of buffaloes supplemented with 0.5L AYS and 1L AYS twice daily were greater than that of control buffaloes by 0.67L and 0.69L, respectively (P = 0.0039).On the other hand, the ADMY of buffaloes fed with YFCP and YFCP+AYS were greater than that of control buffaloes by 0.64 and 0.68L, respectively (P = 0.0320). Supplementation of AYS and feeding YFCP yielded the lowest cost per liter of milk produced at PhP 20.25 and PhP 16.24, respectively. It is recommended to supplement milking dairy buffaloes with AYS or feeding YFCP in areas with cassava pulp to increase feed resource, increase milk production and improve feed cost-efficiency thereby increasing significantly the farmer’s income.

Economic analyses of milk production among members and non-members offarmer collectives in Saurashtra

Primary data collected for 2019-‘20 from 416 members and non-members of dairy farmer collectives (where farmers come together to market their milk collectively – this study considers a co-operative union and a milk producer company – both prominent forms of farmer collectives) in Saurashtra region of Gujarat are used to work-out the cost and returns in milk production from local cow and buffalo, and across dairy farmer categories. The analyses reveal that farmer collective organizations like co-operatives and producer companies are profitable in case of both local cow and buffalo milk production, and also for the small (1-3) and medium (3-6) herd-size category (in Standard Animal Units or SAU) of farmers. Both the overall average feed cost and Total Variable cost (TVC) per animal per day incurred by members is 12 per cent and 11 per cent less than that of non-members, respectively. Members of the co-operative receive annual bonus and members of the producer company receive annual dividends and cash incentives; with this additional benefit received by the members, their total return per litre is 25 per cent more than that of non-members. The overall average annual net returns from dairy per household for members are higher at Rs. 11,641/- compared to the returns of non-members at Rs. 3955/-. Expanding the reach of farmer collective organizations would benefit more dairy farmers by making dairy a more profitable enterprise for them.

Determination of 20 Endocrine-Disrupting Compounds in the Buffalo Milk Production Chain and Commercial Bovine Milk by UHPLC-MS/MS and HPLC-FLD.

Simple SummaryThe restriction of the use of bisphenol A (BPA) in industrial production has led manufacturers to employ several BPA analogues. The endocrine-disrupting activity of these substitutes has been proven, and some of them are already widespread in the environment. The intake of these endocrine-disrupting chemicals through diet represents a public concern, and food contamination data are still scarce in scientific literature. To investigate the levels of BPA and its analogues in the production chain of buffalo milk, we developed and validated two analytical methods based on UHPLC–MS/MS and HPLC–FLD. The methods were used to analyse feed and feed additives, raw milk, drinking water, and blood serum samples from buffalo farms in the Campania region, Southern Italy. BPA was found to be the most abundant contaminant, proving that the presence of this compound is still significant and should be monitored.Bisphenol A (BPA) and some of its analogues are well known as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), i.e., compounds that can affect the physiological hormonal pathways in both animals and humans, causing adverse health effects. The intake of these substances through diet represents a public concern, compounded by the scarce data in the literature about contamination levels in food. In the framework of a research project, funded by the Italian Ministry of Health, we determined the contamination levels of BPA and 19 EDCs in the production chain of buffalo milk, analysing feed, drinking water, buffalo milk, and blood sera. Overall, 201 feed, 9 feed additive, 62 drinking water, 46 milk, and 190 blood serum samples were collected from 10 buffalo farms in the Campania region, Southern Italy, between 2019 and 2020, and analysed. Moreover, 15 retail bovine milk samples packaged both in Tetra Pak and in PET were analysed to further evaluate consumers’ exposure to EDCs. The results of our work showed no contamination by EDCs in drinking water samples, whereas in 43% of all of the other samples from the farms at least one bisphenol was detected. The most abundant bisphenol detected was BPA (32% of the samples from the farms and 80% of the retail milk samples), thus proving that this compound is still widely used for plastic production.

Status of the buffalo milk trade and dairy manufacturing business at Bhola district of Bangladesh, and opportunities for buffalo milk products branding

The objective of this study was to know the existing buffalo milk trade and dairy products production status along with scope for buffalo milk product branding. Hence, a face-to-face interview with eighteen milk traders and processors were performed through simple random sampling method. Milk traders and processors were above 25 years old (94%) and above 5 years (89%) experienced in dairy business. The findings exposed that 11% of the participants were involved in milk collection and selling, 39% were directly involved in product manufacturing, and 50% were engaged in milk collection and processing. Among the manufactured dairy products, traditionally made fermented doi was the best - selling dairy product in the Bhola district. About 47% participants desired to incorporate fat-rich dairy products into their production processes. In general, milk traders sold the maximum amount of milk monthly to doi manufacturers (1453 L), followed by local customers (1175 L), sweetmeat manufacturers (1000 L), restaurants (257 L), and household consumers (250 L). Results showed that buffalo milk prices varied significantly (P&lt;0.001) over the year. The peak buffalo milk price (122 BDT/L) was recorded between November and December, and the off-peak price (82 BDT/L) was between March to May. Data indicated that about 43-50 BDT profit derived through per kg doi and sweetmeat selling. Milk traders and processors mentioned that studied areas had greater shortage of milk preservation facilities. Overall, the findings of this study may give some context for developing sustainable buffalo milk and dairy products value chain in Bangladesh.&#x0D; Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.8(3): 301-310, December 2021

Effect of seasonal variation in Temperature Humidity Index on milk production and its composition in Murrah buffaloes

The present study was aimed to evaluate the effect of seasonal variation in Temperature Humidity Index (THI) on milk production and composition in Murrah buffaloes. Eight adult lactating Murrah buffaloes of 3-5 years of age and insecond to fourth lactation were selected in summer and winter season. Meteorological variables such as ambient temperature and relative humidity were recorded and THI was calculated during the period of study. Milk samples were collected from Murrah buffaloes and evaluated for the concentration of milk fat, protein, SNF, lactose and salt. The data was analyzed using SPSS v.20. The results indicated that average milk production, milk fat, protein and SNF decreased significantly (p&lt;0.05) in summer in comparison to winter, while lactose and salt did not differ significantly (p&gt;0.05) in between seasons. From the present study it was concluded that high THI imposes significant heat stress and negatively affects milk production and composition in Murrah buffaloes. Hence, additional feed, shelter and management practices might be adopted to overcome the negative effects of thermal stress and also to optimize milk production of the animals.

Determination of Esbl-Producing Enterobacteriaceae in Raw Water Buffalo Milk and Dairy Products by Conventional Multiplex and Real-Time Pcr

Determination of Esbl-Producing Enterobacteriaceae in Raw Water Buffalo Milk and Dairy Products by Conventional Multiplex and Real-Time Pcr

Anadolu Manda Sütünde Aflatoksin M1 Kontaminasyonu

Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), a hepatotoxic metabolite, occurs due to the consumption of feeds contaminated with aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) by lactating animals. This study aims to specify the presence and levels of AFM1 in water buffalo milk produced widely in our region. &#x0D; Between the years 2019 - 2021, a total of 250 raw water buffalo milk samples were used as material. All samples were transported to the laboratory in the cold chain (4 °C) and analyzed. Tests were done with ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) technique and AFM1 specific test kits Ridascreen® Aflatoxin M1, r-biopharm were used for detection of AFM1. First, the samples were prepared as described in the kit manufacturer’s instructions. Later, for the calculation of AFM1 levels, RIDASOFT WIN.NET software was also used as recommended. &#x0D; Two hundred and fifty raw water buffalo milk samples were analyzed in duplicate, and the average values of the results was taken into account. While AFM1 was not detected in 174 samples (69.6%), 76 sample (30.4%) was contaminated with AFM1. However, it was observed that the AFM1 levels of these 76 samples did not exceed the levels specified in the Turkish Food Codex.&#x0D; In conclusion, although water buffalo milk and dairy products pose a potential risk in AFM1, this risk was found relatively low in samples belong to our region. However, this situation may vary depending on the feeding conditions of lactating animals and sampling season. Therefore, it is recommended that similar and further studies are needed to diversify the data in the future.

Resource use efficiency of milk production across different herd sizes of buffaloes and crossbred cows in Middle Gujarat

The most important objective of any production unit is to co-ordinate and utilize the various resources of production in such a manner that they yield the highest net returns. As farmers are shifting from low input-low output to high input-high output and traditional and subsistence to commercial dairy farming, this study assesses the impact of resources being used optimally through herd size categories by the dairy farmers for buffaloes and crossbred cows in the Middle Gujarat region. The resource use efficiency analysis helps the dairy farmers in taking appropriate decisions regarding resource allocation without using additional resources for enhancing their income. The findings show that on an average, the costs of human labour, green fodder and concentrates had significant influence on milk yield for buffalo milk production while costs of human labour, green fodder, concentrates and veterinary and medical charges had significant influence on milk yield for crossbred cow milk production implying that one per cent increase in the use of these inputs can led to increase in the gross returns from milk. Milk production for buffaloes was in decreasing returns to scale while on an overall basis, milk production for crossbred cows was increasing returns to scale. Further, the difference between MVP and its acquisition unit price for human labour in small category, green fodder in overall category and dry fodder in marginal category in buffalo milk production and price for human labour in medium and overall category and green fodder in large category in crossbred cow milk production were found positive and significant indicating that the dairy farmers have an opportunity to increase their profit by using more of these inputs on their farms. Thus, the study concluded that only in crossbred cows, milk production was size neutral.

Impact of Climate Change on Milk Production and Perceptions of Farmers in the West Bengal

The cause and effect relationship of climatic variables on milk production of indigenous cattle and buffalo had been carried in West Bengal state during 2019-2020. Regression analysis indicated the indigenous cow milk production was directly responsive to annual minimum temperature, while crossbred cow milk production was indirectly responsive to annual maximum temperature and relative humidity. The buffalo milk production was inversely related to annual maximum temperature and relative humidity. More than half of surveyed farmers had a medium level of experience in farming. Majority of farmers were perceived climate variability in general like increase in temperature during the summer season, late onset of monsoon and early withdrawal of monsoon season. For crop farming, crop diversification was the most preferred adaptation strategy among the farmers followed by changing crop variety. For dairy farming, provide proper shed and shelter was most preferred adaptation strategy followed by provide additional fresh drinking water in summer.

California Test to Detect of Mastitis Incidence, Parity and Stage of Lactation to Indicators to Milk Composition in Iraqi Buffaloes

The research was carried out in the Hashemite district (25 km southwest of Babil Governorate) on 150 female Iraqi buffaloes for the period from 2/7/2019 to 1/6/2020, with the aim of studying the relationship between the California test and a number of milk traits. The results showed a significant effect (P≤0.01) of the reproductive cycle sequence in the CMT and the proportions of both fat and protein in the milk, as the California test scores reached the maximum for female buffaloes in the fourth milk cycle (1.80 degrees). There was a highly significant variation (P≤0.01) in the percentage of fat according to the different production cycle, and the highest percentage of fat in milk was in female buffaloes during the first milk cycle (6.59%). It was found that the milk production stage had a significant effect on the CMT degrees, as the CMT degree increased with the progression of the milking stage, until it reached during the third stage of the milk production cycle (1.59) and was lower in the first production cycle (1.48). The percentage of fat was significantly affected (P≤0.01) by the stage of milk production (Table 1), as it reached the highest (6.86%) in the third stage of the production season and the lowest (5.98%) during the second stage. It is concluded from the research that the California test is an indicator of some components of milk and that the degree of the California test and the percentage of fat are affected by the sequence of birth and the stage of milk production in buffaloes.

Effect of Cellulase Enzyme Produced from Penicilliumchrysogenum on the Milk Production, Composition, Amino Acid, and Fatty Acid Profiles of Egyptian Buffaloes Fed a High-Forage Diet.

Simple SummaryExogenous fibrolytic enzymes can improve nutrient digestibility of feeds high in fibrous content offered to Egyptian lactating buffaloes. The proposed cellulase exclusively produced in-farm using Penicillium Chrysogenum showed higher activity in previous in vitro studies. That is why it was chosen to get tested against a well-known commercial source of cellulase enzyme from the Egyptian markets for its efficiency in increasing milk productivity and composition. Profiles of amino acids and fatty acids were also recorded. The initial results highlighted a superiority of the produced enzyme (FENZ) against the commercial source (CENZ). It was also clear that FENZ can preserve higher proportions of fatty acids in the milk, primarily conjugated linoleic acid. Based on the idea rationale, our conclusion is to promote setting a small cellulase production unit in each farm in Egypt to decrease the cost of feeding by using agricultural and agro-industrial waste during the cellulase production and feeding process.The experiment was conducted to study the effects of supplementing a cellulase enzymes cocktail to lactating buffaloes’ diet, on the nutrient intake, nutrient digestibility, and milk production performance and composition. Twenty-four lactating Egyptian buffaloes were assigned into one of the following treatments: CON—control consisted of a total mixed ration, CENZ—the total mixed ration supplemented by a commercial source of cellulase enzyme, FENZ—the total mixed ration supplemented with cellulase enzyme cocktail produced in-farm. Supplementing the diet with the in-farm source of cellulase (FENZ) had a significantly higher impact on crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber digestibility. However, FENZ tended to increase the EE digestibility compared to CENZ. FENZ showed significantly higher nutrient digestibility percentages compared to other groups. Supplementing the diet with cellulase enzymes (CON vs. ENZ) significantly increased the daily milk yield and the fat correct milk yield; both yields were significantly higher with FENZ than all groups. Oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acid concentration were significantly higher with cellulase enzymes supplementation (CON vs. ENZ) and the conjugated linoleic acid concentration. Supplementing fungal cellulase enzyme produced on a farm-scale has improved milk productivity, fat yield, and milk fat unsaturated fatty acids profile in lactating buffaloes.

Milk Production Responses and Digestibility of Dairy Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) Partially Supplemented with Forage Rape (Brassica napus) Silage Replacing Corn Silage.

Simple SummaryTo develop alternative silage resources, we employed buffaloes as an animal model to evaluate the possibility and effects of forage rape silage in the dairy buffalo diet. We comprehensively assessed the nutrition value of forage rape silage by the apparent total-tract digestibility, rumen fermentation characteristics, blood metabolism and milk composition of lactating buffaloes. Our current results showed that the inclusion of forage rape silage in diets improved the milk quality, such as milk protein, milk fat, and total solid percentage. Furthermore, partial supplementation of forage rape silage also promotes buffaloes’ dry matter intake. These may be related to the favorable physiological and metabolic changes induced by the forage rape silage. Thus, our current data show the applicability of forage rape silage as a good feed resource for ruminants.Worldwide, silage is considered the main component in dairy animal diets; however, this portion is mainly dominated by corn silage, which raises availability challenges in some agricultural production systems. The present study evaluated a partial replacement of corn silage with forage rape silage (FRS) and its effect on feed intake, nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation, milk production, and blood metabolites in buffalo. Thirty-six lactating buffaloes were randomly assigned to four different groups, according to supplementation of FRS (only corn silage, FRS0) or with 15% (FRS15), 25% (FRS25), and 35% (FRS35) of forage rape silage instead of corn silage. The results showed that, compared to corn silage, forage rape silage has a lower carbohydrate but a higher protein concentration. The buffalo intake of dry matter and organic matter were improved linearly with the FRS increasing in the diet. The apparent total-tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter, organic matter, nitrogen, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber also increased by the FRS supplementation compared with FRS0. Conversely, FRS supplementation decreased the propionic, butyric, and valeric acid contents and increased the acetic:propionic ratio and microbial protein content. Furthermore, FRS inclusion led to a significantly higher milk urea and non-fat milk solid content, higher blood glucose, total globulins, blood urea nitrogen, and lower blood high-density lipoprotein. These results suggested that FRS has high a nutritional value and digestibility, is a good feed resource, and showed favorable effects when supplemented with dairy buffalo ration.

SISTEM AGRIBISNIS INTEGRASI PADI KERBAU DAN POLA PEMELIHARAAN KERBAU DI KECAMATAN PAMPANGAN SUMATERA SELATAN

&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Th&lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt;is study aimed &lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt;to determine and analyze the integrated rice-buffalo agribusiness system and to describe the pattern of buffalo raising in Pampangan District. This research was conducted in Pampangan District in July 2020. This research is a survey that took 30 samples purposively. Primary and secondary data obtained from the field survey were tabulated and analyzed descriptively-qualitatively. The integrated rice-buffalo agribusiness system in Pampangan District consists of the upstream subsystem, namely the provision of production facilities for rice-buffalo integration activities, the farming subsystem in the form of rice cultivation and livestock raising, the downstream subsystem, namely post-harvest and management of rice-buffalo waste used for organic fertilizer and silage. The supporting subsystem is that farmers have joined G&lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt;apoktan&lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt; and have received training from BPTP on making compost. &lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt;R&lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt;aising buffalo in Pampangan District is still traditional, which is almost entirely relying on nature. The buffaloes are released in the morning and put back in the afternoon, allowed to eat the feed in the grazing environment&lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt;. In contrast, &lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt;for the health of the buffalo, it is still done as necessary and not as intensive&lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt;.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt; The profit-sharing system between the owner and the custodian is known as the half system. The results of buffalo livestock production are obtained from the sale of buffalo and from the processing of buffalo milk production into sugar, sagon, curd or cow oil&lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt; (a popular local term in Pampangan Sub-district)&lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt;.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Milk Production and Reproduction Performance of Non-descript Buffaloes in Konkan Region

Background: Buffaloes are economically important in particular region and also buffalo milk are nutritionally rich. In Konkan region, buffalo should be rarely used only to get female buffalo for milk production. To improve the non-descript buffalo population for milk production and reproduction performance. Methods: During survey period January, 2021 to February, 2021, record of 400 non-descript buffalo, 270 non-descript buffalo having more than 4 years age old to be selected. Result: The average daily milk yield, peak milk yield, total lactation milk yield, lactation length and dry period in non-descript buffaloes were 6.45±0.16 liters, 7.6±0.14 liters, 2007.66±45.83 liters, 302.86±0.34 days and 146.66±0.48 days, respectively. The average age at first calving, calving interval, service period, gestation period and number of calving were 45.96±0.18 months, 449.30±0.53 days, 128.86±0.31 days, 303.66±0.49 days, 2.72±0.12 numbers, respectively and autumn season of calving was more than another season.

Effect of COVID-19 lockdown on bovine economy in Uttar Pradesh

A study was conducted among 570 farmers spread across 57 districts (out of 75) of Uttar Pradesh from 10 April to 10 May 2020 by telephonic contact using the pre-structured interview schedule to assess the impact of CoVID 19 lockdown on the investment and profitability of major bovines of the state namely cattle and buffalo each with 460 data points. Different indicators for research variables namely investment pattern and profitability were measured by asking direct questions to the randomly selected 10 farmers from each district during the lockdown period and their experiences during last year (2019). The collected data were subjected for descriptive analysis - average, percentage, rank, standard deviation (SD) and coefficient of variation (CV), and also to the paired t-test to see the significance of difference, if any. Findings of the study showed that all the investments indicators like feed and fodder price, treatment cost, animal handling charges and total cost of milk production of cattle and buffalo enhanced significantly during the lockdown. The magnitude varied as per the nature of the cost components. The price variation was observed across the sample respondents and district. Similarly, for profitability indicators, there was reduction in the magnitude of milk sale (13-15%), selling price of milk (4-5%) and B:C ratio (5.2 -7.3%) significantly owing to lockdown. The perceptions of KVK experts from across the selected districts were also analyzed. During this period, KVKs of the state also disseminated various advisories, instructions, crop and enterprise-specific recommendations.

Characterization of Dadih: Traditional Fermented Buffalo Milk of Minangkabau

Dadih or dadiah is traditional fermented buffalo milk of Minangkabau, which occurs spontaneously. Dadih is commonly served as ampiang dadih, or other dishes. The microbiota found in dadih are dominated by lactic acid bacteria, and yeasts are also found. The lactic acid bacteria provide functional value, such as antimicrobial, hypocholesterolemic, antimutagenic, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties, as well as being the source of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) as an anti-stress agent and folate. Nevertheless, many challenges were observed in dadih production, including the limitation of buffalo milk production due to decreasing populations of buffalo in the last two decades, unstandardized dadih production due to the spontaneous fermentation in natural bamboo tubes, and safety problems as no heat treatment is applied in the production of dadih. These problems impede the development of dadih production, thus is it important to improve buffalo cultivation through artificial insemination programs, using different types of milk and pasteurization processes in dadih production, and incubator development to accelerate the fermentation period.