Effect of Methionine Supplemented Feed on Nili-Ravi Buffalo Milk Yield and Composition

The objective of the study was to examine the effect of rumen protected methionine supplementation on milk production and its composition in lactating Nili-Ravi buffaloes. Sixteen early lactating nili-ravi buffaloes were divided into four groups according to Randomized Complete Block Design for this study. Four experimental diets were formulated supplementing 0, 15, 25 and 35g of methionine/ animal/ day. The experimental period was of 56 days out of which 10 days were as adaptation period. Daily feed intake and morning-evening milk yield of each animal was recorded. Body weight of the animals was recorded at the start of experiment and fortnightly thereafter. Total collection of urine and feces were performed fortnightly to determine nutrient digestion and nitrogen balance. Blood samples were collected through jugular vein two hours post feeding and were analysed for blood triglycerides concentration, total proteins and blood urea nitrogen according to standard procedures. Nutrient intake, nutrient digestion, nitrogen balance, milk production, milk fat, total solids in milk and solid not fat did not show any treatment effect. However, milk protein percentage was the highest (3.42% and 3.41%) in buffaloes fed diets containing 35 and 25 g/d methionine followed by (3.26% and 3.17%) those fed 15 g of methionine and control diets, respectively. Milk protein percentage was found to be sensitive to methionine supplementation, because increase in milk protein percentage was observed just after first week of supplementation. Similarly, blood urea nitrogen, triglycerides and total proteins were significantly affected by methionine supplementation. Blood urea nitrogen was lower in buffaloes fed ration containing higher level of methionine. The highest triglycerides (15.40 mg/dl) were observed in buffaloes fed ration containing higher amount of methionine as compared to those fed rations containing lower amount of methionine. Total protein was also higher (8.27 g/dl) in animals fed ration containing higher level of methionine while it was similar in supplementation groups. Although the results were comparatively better when buffaloes were raised on supplemented ratios but due to shorter study period and use of well-fed and healthy animals (not deficient in methionine) the results of the lactation performance were not very obvious as were expected.