Augmented Feeding with By-passed Amino Acid and Slow-released Non-protein Nitrogen Supplement on Milk Peak, Lactation Persistency, and Post-partum Reproduction of Brazilian Buffaloes

Abstract

Twenty five pregnant and primiparous Brazilian buffaloes were allotted in a Randomized Completed Block Design involving five dietary treatments namely; without (T₁) or with (T₂) augmented feeding plus supplementary by-passed amino acid (BPAA, T₃); slow-released non-protein nitrogen (SRNPN, T₄) and its combination (T₅) to assess their milk peak, lactation persistency and post-partum reproductive performance. Five cows were assigned per treatment and each cow served as a replicate. The feed ration was composed of corn silage (67.3%), rice straw (9.5%) and dairy concentrate pellets (23.2%). The supplementary concentrates, BPAA and SRNPN were given at 0.5kg/kg milk production, 100 grams and 50 grams/hd/day, respectively. Results showed that augmented feeding alone or with supplementary BPAA and SRNPN gave significantly higher (P<0.05) peak milk of 12 and 12.5 kg/d, respectively. The milk peak was observed during 68 (T₁) and 71 days (T₅) in milk of the cows. The dry matter and crude protein digestibility were significantly increased in T₂ and T₅. No significant differences were observed on lactation persistency but the observed value of 91.8% was closer to the reported ideal lactation persistency of 95% in dairy buffaloes. No significant differences were observed on the post-partum reproductive performance, feed intake, and the feed cost to produce a kilogram of milk. At 146 days service period using artificial insemination, 80% of the buffaloes were already confirmed pregnant. The use of augmented feeding with BPAA and SRNPN supplements gave a significant (P<0.05) net income of P33,762.00 (US$ 720/cow) per lactation of the buffaloes.