The Effect of Feed Supplement on the Yield and Composition of Buffalo Milk

Abstract

The study was made to find out the effect of feed supplement on the yield and composition of milk of indigenous buffaloes lived on grazing condition and zero concentrate supplements in Bangladesh. Buffaloes in control group were allowed to graze in the field approximately 7 hours daily from morning to evening. They were given rice straw sometimes in the morning or evening as basal diet but no concentrate mixture was given. The control group was allowed to graze in the field 7 hours daily and was supplied with rice straw (ad labium) and one kg concentrates mixture. Buffaloes of both groups were of indigenous river types and in the same stage of lactation. Records on daily lactation yield and milk composition at fortnightly interval were maintained. The average lactation period and daily lactation yield were 258 days and 2.58 + 0.32 kg, and 264 days and 2.95 + 0.61 kg for controlled and treated group respectively. The difference for milk yield of two groups was not significant. The average protein, ash, solids-not fat and total solids of the milk of treated group was significantly higher than that of controlled group; but fat, lactose and acidity contents of milk of both groups were almost same. Dietary supplementation might not be required for improving the quantity and quality of milk yield of buffaloes when plenty of natural grass is available.