Effect of Berseem Hay Meal as Replacer of Mustard Cake Protein in Diet of Lactating Bhadawari Buffaloes on Nutrient Utilization, Milk Yield and Its Cost of Production

The effect of mustard cake (MSC) replacement with berseem hay meal (BHM) as protein source in concentrate mixture (CM) was studied for nutrient utilization and economic milk production in Bhadawari buffaloes. Animals in Control group (T1), were fed wheat straw ad libitum and CM while in Experimental group (T2), wheat straw ad libitum and CM in which 60% nitrogen of MSC was replaced with BHM and added 0.75% non-protein nitrogen for two and half months. Both diets were iso-energetic and iso-nitrogeneous. Dry matter intake both as % of body weight or g/Kg w0.75 was comparable between dietary groups. The DM, OM, NDF and ADF digestibility were alike in groups. The DCP content of T2 was significantly higher (P<0.05) than T1. Animals milk yield (4.80 vs 4.96 kg/d) and its composition was also similar indicating that BHM supplementation did not alter milk fat, protein, or lactose contents. Efficiency for feed conversion for milk production and N utilization was also similar between dietary groups. Buffaloes daily feeding cost and milk production cost (Rs/kg 4% FCM) reduced (P<0.05) by 14.49 and 16.80%, respectively in T2 diet resulting daily net income increase (P<0.05) by Rs. 24.82 per buffalo. Study concluded that MSC can safely be replaced by BHM in iso-caloric and iso-nitrogeneous diets in formulating least cost ration for economic milk production in small holders’ dairy production without compromising intake, nutrient utilization and milk production in Bhadawari buffaloes.