Productive and reproductive performance of lactating buffaloes fed on rations containing different levels of date stone
Abstract: Fifteen lactating buffaloes were randomly divided into three groups (five animals each) to study the effect of partial replacement of concentrate feed mixture (CFM)with date stone (DS)on digestibility, nutritive value, milk production and reproductive traits. The 1st group (G1)was fed on the conventional ration as control. The 2nd (G2)and 3rd (G3)groups were fed on the same conventional ration plus 10%or 20%DS as replacement of CFM, respectively. The experimental period extended to the next calving of each animal.
The results indicated that substituting of DS at levels of 10%or 20%of CFM led to a significant increase coefficient of digestibility of dry matter (DM),while the digestibility coefficients
of CF and NFE were decreased. Nutritive value as TDN and DCP became lower with DS substitution in rations G2 and G3 in comparison with the control ration. Intake of DM,TDN and DCP increased with DS substitution in rations particularly in G3.Total milk yield, average daily milk and fat corrected milk (7%FCM)were increased in response to replacement of DS in the ration. Economic efficiency of DS supplemented rations was improved particularly in G3.
Birth weight of new born calf was significantly (P <0.05)higher in G2 due to 10% replacement of DS in the ration. In addition, DS replacement up to 20%of CFM resulted in earlier attainment of uterine involution and reduction of interval to 1st ovulation, conception and calving. It can be concluded that partial replacement of ground DS up to 20%of CFM had an economic value. Farther studies need to be done such as adding a cheap dietary protein source for example "urea"to improve the nutritive value, reducing cost of feeding hence improving fertility and productivity of buffaloes.
Key ward: Date stone, lactating buffaloes, productive and reproductive traits.
Publication year 2009
Pages 415-426
Availability location معهد بحوث الانتاج الحيوانى- شارع نادى الصيد- الدقى- الجيزة
Availability number
Organization Name
serial title Proc. of The 2nd Scientific Conf. of Animal Wealth Research in the Middle East &North Africa Cairo International Convention Center, Egypt,24 – 26 October
Author(s) from ARC
Agris Categories Animal physiology - Nutrition
AGROVOC
TERMS		 Lactation. Production. Productivity. Reproductive performance. Water buffaloes.
Proposed Agrovoc date stone;
Publication Type Conference/Workshop
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