Surti Buffaloes Research Articles

Molecular Genetic Diversity and Quantitation of Methanogen in Ruminal Fluid of Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Fed Ration (Wheat Straw and Concentrate Mixture Diet)

High roughage diet causes more methane emissions; however, the total methanogen abundance is not influenced by roughage proportion. Technologies to reduce methane emissions are lacking, and development of inhibitors and vaccines that mitigate rumen-derived methane by targeting methanogens relies on present knowledge of the methanogens. In this work, we have investigated molecular diversity of rumen methanogens of Surti buffalo. DNA from rumen fluid was extracted, and 16S rRNA encoding genes were amplified using methanogen specific primer to generate 16S rDNA clone libraries. Seventy-six clones were randomly selected and analysed by RFLP resulting in 21 operational taxonomic units (OTUs). BLAST analysis with available sequences in database revealed sequences of 13 OTUs (55 clones) showing similarity with Methanomicrobium sp, 3 OTUs (15 clones) with Methanobrevibacter sp. The remaining 5 OTUs (6 clones) belonged to uncultured archaea. The phylogenetic analysis indicated that methanogenic communities found in the library were clustered in the order of Methanomicrobiales (18 OTUs) and Methanobacteriales (3 OTUs). The population of Methanomicrobiales, Methanobacteriales, and Methanococcales were also observed, accounting for 1.94%, 0.72%, and 0.47% of total archaea, respectively.

Use of Real-Time PCR Technique in Determination of Major Fibrolytic and non Fibrolytic Bacteria Present in Indian Surti Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

In the milk industry in India, buffalo breeds are most commonly used for milk production. Efficiency of fiber digestion in ruminants is critical for animal productivity. Bacteria play an important role in fiber digestion and utilization. Absolute quantification real-time PCR was used to quantify ten bacterial species in rumen fluid of Surti buffalo fed green fodder, dry roughage and compound concentrate mixture. Abundance of each target taxon was calculated as a fraction of the total 16S rRNA gene copies in the samples, using taxon-specific primers. Bacterial populations showed a clear predominance of Ruminococcus albus, which comprised 5.66% of the bacterial rRNA gene copies in the samples. However, only 0.9% to 4.24% of the bacterial rRNA gene copies were represented by the ruminal Fibrobacter succinogenes, Ruminococcus flavefaciens and Prevotella species. The proportion of rRNA gene copies attributable to Selenomonas ruminantium, Streptococcus bovis, Ruminobacter amylophilus, Treponema bryantii and Anaerovibrio lipolytica was even less abundant, each comprising < 0.11% of the bacterial rRNA gene copies. The data suggest that the aggregate abundance of the most intensively studied ruminal bacterial species is relatively low and that a large fraction of the uncultured population represents a single bacterial genus.

Effect of polyherbal galactogogue supplementation on milk yield and quality as well as general health of Surti buffaloes of south Gujarat

Aim: A polyherbal galactogogue based on indigenous knowledge of tribles (Bhagats) belonging to Patalkot (Madhya Pradesh), Dangs (Gujarat) and Aravallis (Rajasthan) was evaluated on lactating Surti buffaloes (medium sized buffalo breed of South Gujarat which is best suitable for small and marginal farmers as well as landless labourers/tribal with less input resources). Materials and Methods: A total of 22 lactating Surti buffaloes maintained at Livestock Research Station, Navsari Agricultural University, Gujarat, India were randomly allotted to treatment and control group (11 buffaloes in each group). Two polyherbal galactogogue biscuits (19 g each) per day for initial 10 days of the month over a period of three months were supplemented to buffaloes in treatment group. The daily milk yield of all 22 buffaloes was recorded. Milk samples from all experimental buffaloes at fortnight interval were analyzed on automatic milk analyzer. The pooled gain/loss of BCS in all the buffaloes was worked out. DMI (%) were also worked out by averaging all fortnight observations. Results: A significant higher (p<0.05) total milk yield (14.24 %) of treatment group was recorded. The effect of polyherbal galactogogue biscuits was non-significant on milk compositions. Dry matter intake /100 kg body weight (DMI %) was found significantly (p<0.01) better in treatment over control. The buffaloes of treatment group had lost significantly (p<0.01) lesser body condition scoring (BCS) than control however, both groups had lost BCS from initial BCS. The net profit of treatment was Rs.339.90/animal/month higher than control and calculated cost-benefit ratio of treatment and control groups was 1:1.62 and 1:1.52 respectively.

Prevalence and hemato-biochemical studies in parasitic and non parasitic dermatological disorders in Surti buffalo and buffalo calves

Present study investigated the prevalence and hemato-biochemical changes observed in the mange infested Surti buffaloes and buffalo calves. For prevalence study a total of 401 animals were screened for the infection for a period of one year. Systematic and detailed appraisal of haemato-biochemical profiles as well as skin scrapping specimens were carried out in seventy five cases. Hematological analyses of blood samples were done to evaluate changes in Hb, PCV, TEC, TLC and DLC counts. Biochemical analyses of serum samples were done to determine the concentrations of total protein, albumin, globulin, A:G ratio and serum zinc levels by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Infestation was found to be high in winter season. Infestation caused anaemia, increased TLC with eosinophilia. There was decrease in total protein as well as zinc concentration in serum in infested buffaloes.

Metagenomic analysis of Surti buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) rumen: a preliminary study

The complex microbiome of the rumen functions as an effective system for the conversion of plant cell wall biomass to microbial proteins, short chain fatty acids and gases. In this study, metagenomic approaches were used to study the microbial populations and metabolic potential of the microbial community. DNA was extracted from Surti Buffalo rumen samples (four treatments diet) and sequenced separately using a 454 GS FLX Titanium system. We used comparative metagenomics to examine metabolic potential and phylogenetic composition from pyrosequence data generated in four samples, considering phylogenetic composition and metabolic potentials in the rumen may remarkably be different with respect to nutrient utilization. Assignment of metagenomic sequences to SEED categories of the Metagenome Rapid Annotation using Subsystem Technology (MG-RAST) server revealed a genetic profile characteristic of fermentation of carbohydrates in a high roughage diet. The distribution of phylotypes and environmental gene tags (EGTs) detected within each rumen sample were dominated by Bacteroidetes/Chlorobi, Firmicutes and Proteobacteria in all the samples. The results of this study could help to determine the role of rumen microbes and their enzymes in plant polysaccharide breakdown is fundamental to understanding digestion and maximising productivity in ruminant animals.

Somatotropin-mediated gene expression profiling of differentially displayed ESTs during lactation in Indian buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

The study of bovine mammary gland functional genomics requires appropriate cDNA library collections to access gene expression patterns from different developmental and physiological stages. The present study was undertaken with the objective to identify candidate genes involved in the process of increased milk synthesis following 0, 48 and 96 h of recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) treatment to Surti buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) through differential display reverse transcriptase PCR (DDRT-PCR). Of a total 50 sequenced DD bands, 64% of ESTs were differentially expressed (appeared only in post-treatment samples, i.e. 48 h and 96 h) and 36% were up-regulated after rbST treatment. Of the ESTs 32%were found to be located on Bos taurus chromosome 24 (equivalent to buffalo chromosome 22), whereas 16% of ESTs could not be mapped, indicating that they are specific to buffalo. Quantitative real time PCR assay of 15 ESTs revealed transcript level surge in 13 ESTs, and decline in one EST, while one showed up-regulation in expression level at 48 h while down-regulation at 96 h. This study indicates more than 30 novel transcripts, with unknown function, involved in increased milk synthesis and also the involvement of many more genes in the physiology of milk production than once thought.

Dasytricha Dominance in Surti Buffalo Rumen Revealed by 18S rRNA Sequences and Real-Time PCR Assay

The genetic diversity of protozoa in Surti buffalo rumen was studied by amplified ribosomal DNA restriction analysis, 18S rDNA sequence homology and phylogenetic and Real-time PCR analysis methods. Three animals were fed diet comprised green fodder Napier bajra 21 (Pennisetum purpureum), mature pasture grass (Dicanthium annulatum) and concentrate mixture (20% crude protein, 65% total digestible nutrients). A protozoa-specific primer (P-SSU-342f) and a eukarya-specific primer (Medlin B) were used to amplify a 1,360 bp fragment of DNA encoding protozoal small subunit (SSU) ribosomal RNA from rumen fluid. A total of 91 clones were examined and identified 14 different 18S RNA sequences based on PCR-RFLP pattern. These 14 phylotypes were distributed into four genera-based 18S rDNA database sequences and identified as Dasytricha (57 clones), Isotricha (14 clones), Ostracodinium (11 clones) and Polyplastron (9 clones). Phylogenetic analyses were also used to infer the makeup of protozoa communities in the rumen of Surti buffalo. Out of 14 sequences, 8 sequences (69 clones) clustered with the Dasytricha ruminantium-like clone and 4 sequences (13 clones) were also phylogenetically placed with the Isotricha prostoma-like clone. Moreover, 2 phylotypes (9 clones) were related to Polyplastron multivesiculatum-like clone. In addition, the number of 18S rDNA gene copies of Dasytricha ruminantium (0.05% to ciliate protozoa) was higher than Entodinium sp. (2.0 × 10(5) vs. 1.3 × 10(4)) in per ml ruminal fluid.

Methanogen diversity in the rumen of Indian Surti buffalo (Bubalus bubalis), assessed by 16S rDNA analysis

The methanogenic communities in buffalo rumen were characterized using a culture-independent approach of a pooled sample of rumen fluid from three adult Surti buffaloes. Buffalo rumen is likely to include species of various methanogens, so 16S rDNA sequences were amplified and cloned from the sample. A total of 171 clones were sequenced to examine 16S rDNA sequence similarity. About 52.63% sequences (90 clones) had ⩾90% similarity, whereas, 46.78% of the sequences (81 clones) were 75–89% similar to 16S rDNA database sequences, respectively. Phylogenetic analyses were also used to infer the makeup of methanogenic communities in the rumen of Surti buffalo. As a result, we distinguished 23 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) based on unique 16S rDNA sequences: 12OTUs (52.17%) affiliated to Methanomicrobiales order, 10OTUs (43.47%) of the order Methanobacteriales and one OTU (4.34%) of Methanosarcina barkeri like clone, respectively. In addition, the population of Methanomicrobiales and Methabacteriales orders were also observed, accounting 4% and 2.17% of total archea. This study has revealed the largest assortment of hydrogenotrophic methanogens phylotypes ever identified from rumen of Surti buffaloes.

Haplotype and phylogenetic analysis of OLR1Intron I gene in Jaffarabadi and Surti buffalo

The present study was carried out to reveal haplotype and phylogenetic analysis of OLR1 gene in Jaffarabadi and Surti breeds of buffalo. Twenty nucleotide sequences generated from our previous study (Shabir, 2009) were used to reveal the haplotypes in OLR1 (Intron I) gene in the population of Jaffarabadi and Surti buffalo. Four haplotypes viz. H1 (CTA), H2 (TCT), H3 (CTT) and H4 (TTT) were observed with frequencies of 0.05, 0.1, 0.15 and 0.7 respectively in the population studied. Phylogenetic analysis of these twenty sequences with the same region of Bos taurus distributed the sequences into four clusters based on the homology between them. Cluster I contained two sequences (jb3 and jb8) bearing a common SNP at nucleotide position 843. Cluster III contained s3, s4 and s7 since they possessed a common SNP at nucleotide position 423, however s3 remained as an out group in this cluster since it contained an additional SNP at position 866. The remaining sequences had highest homology and fell in cluster II while as the sequence of Bos taurus remained as an out group on account of the difference in bases at many loci.

Molecular identification of methanogenic archaea from surti buffaloes (bubalus bubalis), reveals more hydrogenotrophic methanogens phylotypes.

Methane emissions from ruminant livestock are considered to be one of the more potent forms of greenhouses gases contributing to global warming. Many strategies to reduce emissions are targeting the methanogens that inhabit the rumen, but such an approach can only be successful if it targets all the major groups of ruminant methanogens. Therefore, a thorough knowledge of the diversity of these microbes in breeds of buffaloes, as well as in response to geographical location and different diets, is required. Therefore, molecular diversity of rumen methanogens in Surti buffaloes was investigated using 16S rRNA gene libraries prepared from pooled rumen contents from three Surti buffaloes. A total of 171 clones were identified revealing 23 different sequences (phylotypes). Of these 23 sequences, twelve sequences (12 OTUs, 83 clones) and 10 sequences (10 OTUs, 83 clones) were similar to methanogens belonging to the orders Methanomicrobiales and Methanobacteriales, and the remaining 1 phylotype (5 clones) were similar to Methanosarcina barkeri. These unique sequences clustered within a distinct and strongly supported phylogenetic group. Further studies and effective strategies can be made to inhibit the growth of Methanomicrobiales and Methanobacteriales phylotypes to reduce the methane emission from rumen and thus help in preventing global warming.

Bacterial diversity in the rumen of Indian Surti buffalo (Bubalus bubalis), assessed by 16S rDNA analysis

Bacterial communities in buffalo rumen were characterized using a culture-independent approach for a pooled sample of rumen fluid from 3 adult Surti buffaloes. Buffalo rumen is likely to include species of various bacterial phyla, so 16S rDNA sequences were amplified and cloned from the sample. A total of 191 clones were sequenced and similarities to known 16S rDNA sequences were examined. About 62.82% sequences (120 clones) had >90% similarity to the 16S rDNA database sequences. Furthermore, about 34.03% of the sequences (65 clones) were 85-89% similar to 16S rDNA database sequences. For the remaining 3.14%; the similarity was lower than 85% Phylogenetic analyses were also used to infer the makeup of bacterial communities in the rumen of Surti buffalo. As a result, we distinguished 42 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) based on unique 16S r DNA sequences: 19 OTUs affiliated to an unidentified group (45.23% of total OTUs), 11 OTUs of the phylum Firmicutes, also known as the low G+C group (26.19%), 7 OTUs of the Cytophaga-Flexibacter-Bacteroides phylum (16.66%), 4 OTUs of Spirochaetes (9.52%), and 1 OTU of Actinobacteria (2.38%). These include 10 single-clone OTUs, so Good's coverage (94.76%) of 16S rRNA libraries indicated that sequences identified in the libraries represent the majority of bacterial diversity present in rumen.

Methanogenic Diversity Studies within the Rumen of Surti buffaloes Based on Methyl Coenzyme M Reductase A (mcrA) Genes Point to Methanobacteriales

Methane emissions from ruminant livestock are considered to be one of the more potent forms of greenhouse gases contributing to global warming. Many strategies to reduce emissions are targeting the methanogens that inhabit the rumen, but such an approach can only be successful if it targets all the major groups of ruminant methanogens. Therefore, basic knowledge of the diversity of these microbes in breeds of buffalo is required. Therefore, the methanogenic community in the rumen of Surti buffaloes was analyzed by PCR amplification, cloning, and sequencing of methyl coenzyme M reductase (mcrA) gene. A total of 76 clones were identified, revealing 14 different sequences (phylotypes). All 14 sequences were similar to methanogens belonging to the order Methanobacteriales. Within Methanobacteriales, 12 clones (6 OTUs) were similar to Methanosphaera stadtmanae and the remaining 8 phylotypes (64 clones) were similar to unclassified Methanobacteriales. Overall, members of the Methanobacteriales dominated the mcrA clone library in the rumen of Surti buffalo. Further studies and effective strategies can be made to inhibit the growth of Methanobacteriales to reduce methane emission from the rumen which would help in preventing global warming.

Prognostic Value of Various Spermatological Attributes as Predictors of Zona Binding and Zona Penetration of Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Semen

Twenty-four ejaculates from six (four ejaculates each) Surti buffalo bulls aged 4-8 years were used to assess various attributes of spermatozoa influencing the zona-binding and zona-penetration tests. Ejaculates from each bulls were subjected to in vitro sperm--zona binding and sperm--zona penetration tests (four replicates per bull) using immature buffalo oocytes. The average number of spermatozoa bound per oocyte was 27.79 +/- 5.90. The average number of spermatozoa penetrated per oocyte was 3.35 +/- 0.64. The average number of zona-bound and -penetrated spermatozoa differed significantly between animals. Significant difference (p < 0.05) was observed between the plasmalemma integrity as assessed by eosin--nigrosin stain and hypo-osmotic swelling (HOS) test. Furthermore, the percentage of cells positive for the HOS test, i.e. functional membrane integrity (51.25 +/- 2.32) was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than hypo-osmotic swelling-Giemsa (HOS-G) test, i.e. the subpopulation of spermatozoa positive for functional membrane and acrosomal integrities (42.87 +/- 4.56). The HOS test had significant correlations with plasmalemma integrity as measured by the vital stain, eosin--nigrosin (r = 0.85, p < 0.05). The HOS-G test also had significant correlation with plasmalemma integrity measured by vital stains such as eosin--nigrosin (r = 0.90, p < 0.05) and fluorogenic stains [carboxyfluorescein diacetate (CFDA) and propidium iodide (PI); r = 0.92, p < 0.01] and HOS test (r = 0.93), acrosomal integrity (r = 0.86, p < 0.05) and mitochondrial membrane potential (r = 0.99, p < 0.01). The plasmalemma integrity (fluorogenic stain), functional membrane integrity (HOS test), subpopulation of spermatozoa positive for functional membrane and acrosomal integrities (HOS-G test) and mitochondrial membrane potential had significant (p < 0.05) correlation with sperm zona binding and penetration. The present study indicates that these parameters could represent important determinants of sperm quality influencing zona binding and penetration.

Influence of IGF-I on buffalo ( Bubalus bubalis) spermatozoa motility, membrane integrity, lipid peroxidation and fructose uptake in vitro

The objective of the present experiment was to examine the influence of mean physiological concentration of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) on frozen–thawed Surti buffalo ( Bubalus bubalis) spermatozoa functional parameters, i.e., motility, plasmalemma integrity, acrosomal integrity, functional membrane integrity, lipid peroxidation and fructose uptake in vitro. Frozen–thawed semen samples ( n = 6) were washed in tris buffer and divided into two equal parts (control and IGF-I groups). Only in the IGF-I group, IGF-I (rhIGF-I analogue) was added to a final concentration of 100 ng/ml. The samples were incubated at 37 °C for 2 h and the assessments were made at 0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 min of incubation. The mean concentration of the buffalo seminal plasma ( n = 17) IGF-I was 116.83 ± 28.34 ng/ml (range 41.4–198.95). IGF-I had significant effect on the total motility ( P < 0.01), progressive forward motility ( P < 0.01), functional membrane integrity ( P < 0.05) and lipid peroxidation levels ( P < 0.05) during the 120-min study period as assessed by area under curve. Treatment with IGF-I increased ( P < 0.01) the total spermatozoa motility at 30, 60 and 90 min as compared to the control. The progressive forward motility was significantly ( P < 0.01) higher at 60 and 90 min of incubation. The addition of IGF-I resulted in significant ( P < 0.01) increase in straight-line velocity (VSL, μm/s) as compared to the control at 60 and 90 min of incubation. The linearity (%) was significantly ( P < 0.01) higher in IGF-I treated semen as compared to control at 60 min of incubation. Plasmalemma integrity in IGF-I group was significantly ( P < 0.05) higher than control at 30 and 60 min of incubation. The functional membrane integrity differed significantly ( P < 0.01) between groups (control and IGF-I) at 60 and 90 min of incubation. The percentage of acrosomal intact spermatozoa decreased continuously over a period of time in both the groups. As compared to 0 min of incubation, the significant ( P < 0.05) loss of acrosome was observed at 60 and 90 min of incubation in control (63.87 ± 3.17 vs. 58.52 ± 2.54) and IGF-I (61.60 ± 2.26 vs. 56.11 ± 2.12) groups, respectively. Lipid peroxidation levels were significantly lower in IGF-I group at 90 min ( P < 0.05) and 120 min ( P < 0.01) of incubation than the control group. Fructose utilization was significantly higher in IGF-I group as compared to control at 30 min ( P < 0.05) and 60 min ( P < 0.01) of incubation. The present study suggests that addition of IGF-I improve spermatozoa functional parameters by reducing lipid peroxidation levels.

Growth Hormone Gene Polymorphism and Its Effect on Birth Weight in Cattle and Buffalo

The study was carried out in Sahiwal, Holstein Friesian, Jersey and crossbred cattle and Murrah, Bhadwari, Jaffarabadi, Nagpuri and Surti buffaloes maintained at different organized herds to work out the polymorphism at growth hormone locus and study its effect on birth weight. A 223 bp fragment of the gene was amplified and digested with Alu I restriction enzyme. Two alleles, L and V with three genotypes LL, LV and VV were observed in Jersey, Holstein and cross bred cattle. Sahiwal cattle and buffalo were monomorphic for this locus producing only one genotype LL and one allele L. The frequency of L allele was comparatively higher in Holstein and crossbred cattle while in Jersey breed, the frequency of this allele was intermediate. The effect of genotype on birth weight was significant and LV genotype had higher birth weight than other genotypes. Hence, LV genotype in Holstein Friesian favored higher birth weight.

Polymorphism in exon 2 of the BuLA-DRB3 gene in Indian buffalo (Bubalus bubalisvar.indicus) detected by PCR-RFLP

AbstractPolymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers specific to exon 2 of the bovine lymphocyte antigen (BoLA)-DRB3 gene were used successfully to amplify the equivalent region in 34 Murrah and 36 Surti buffaloes selected at random. The 304 bp amplified product of the DRB3 gene was separately digested withBstγI,HaeIII andRsal enzymes. Digestion withBstγI enzyme did not reveal any polymorphism and all animals showed a single restriction pattern, which corresponded exactly to theBstγI pattern ‘b’ previously described for cattle. Digestion withHaeIII enzyme resulted in five patterns, four of which corresponded to theHaelll patterns previously reported in cattle. The newHaeIII pattern was observed in both the breeds of buffaloes studied. The fragment analysis withRsaI revealed 13 different patterns. All of theseRsaI patterns corresponded to theRsaI patterns previously described for cattle. The high degree of similarity in the restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) patterns of cattle and buffalo observed in the present study provide evidence for the strong conservation amongst other bovine species, of restriction sites previously reported in cattle.

Effect of supplemental light on growth, prolactin, progesterone and luteinizing hormone in water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis).

Fifty non-pregnant Surti buffalo heifers aged between 17 and 42 months (n = 24, less than 24 months; n = 26, greater than 24 months) were randomly assigned to groups subject to either natural daylight +4 h supplemental light (n = 25) or natural day light (n = 25), to study changes in growth, serum prolactin (Prl), progesterone (P4) and luteinizing hormone (LH) to supplemental lighting. Ambient temperatures (T) and relative humidity (RH) generally were greater than 27 degrees C and less than 70% during the daytime, respectively. Light-supplemented heifers had 16.2 kg net body weight (BW) gain at 9 weeks compared to 20.8 kg for controls, but higher mean Prl after 6.5 weeks (P less than 0.01), and higher P4 (0.41 vs 0.19 ng/ml; P less than 0.06) than control heifers. Older heifers had 39.7% greater BW (P less than 0.01), but a net 4.3% BW gain compared to a 10.1% gain for younger heifers at 10 weeks. Older, light-supplemented heifers had higher mean P4 (0.63 vs 0.19 ng/ml; P less than 0.07) than the other groups. These weight and hormonal changes suggest that 4 h supplemental light can alter growth and endocrine function in buffaloes under similar planes of nutrition. While light supplementation did not have a positive effect on body weight during the 10 week study, body weight and endocrine changes due to supplemental light may be important factors for initiation of reproductive cyclicity.

Overcoming the nutritional limitations of rice straw for ruminants 1. Urea ammonia treatment and supplementation with rice bran and gliricidia for lactating surti buffaloes

Overcoming the nutritional limitations of rice straw for ruminants 1. Urea ammonia treatment and supplementation with rice bran and gliricidia for lactating surti buffaloes

Physio‐Chemical Characteristics and Fatty Acid Composition of Milk Fat of Surti Buffaloes I: Effect of Dietary Condition and Stage of Lactation

AbstractThe effects of feeding concentrate mixture (21.3 % C. P.) and cotton seed (19.1 % C. P.) to four groups (each of three animals) of Surti buffaloes have been reported. Iodine value was higher for cotton seed fed group than that of concentrate mixture fed groups. Reverse trends were observed in case of R. M. value and P. value. Unsaturated fatty acid composition was found to increase when animals were fed cotton seed. Lower fatty acid composition increased in the case of animals fed concentrate mixture as main feeds.

Effect of Feed on Dry Matter Intake, Digestibilities and Balances of Nutrients by Surti Buffaloes and Kankrej Cows

AbstractAn experiment was conducted on 12 cows and 12 buffaloes for six weeks. These animals were further divided into four groups each having three animals. The four treatments were concentrate mixture with green grass (T1), concentrate mixture without green grass (T2), cotton seed with green grass (T3), and cotton seed without green grass (T4). The DCP requirements were met as per Sen and Ray (1971) feeding standards. At the end of each period, metabolism trials were conducted by conventional method. Nitrogen, phosphorous and calcium balance were positive in all the treatments for all the groups of buffaloes and cows. Treatment T1 and T2 have increased the milk yield but resulted in decrease in fat, while reverse was true for treatment T3 and T4.