Partial Replacment of Yellow Maize Grains by Sun-Dried Orange Pulp in Summer Rations of Lactating Buffalo

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Animal Production Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University,12613 Giza, Egypt

2 National Research Center

Abstract

To study the partial replacement of dried orange pulp (DOP) with yellow maize grains (YMG) during the summer months , 27 Egyptian lactating buffaloes (body weight : 600 ± 50 kg; parity: 1st to 4th ) were allotted randomly to 3 experimental groups. Investigations were done on specific blood parameters, feed consumption, nutrient digestibility, milk composition and yield, feed and economic efficiency. Dried orange pulp replaced YMG at 0 (Control), 30 (30%DOP), and 60% (60%DOP). Comparing to Control, the dry matter intake (DMI) in 30%DOP and 60%DOP was decreased by 0.63 and 0.83 kg, respectively. Raising the replacement level of DOP led to an enhancement in the digestibility of crude fiber (CF; P ˂ 0.05), while the rest of nutrients remained unchanged except for crude protein (CP) and digestible CP which were dramatically reduced. Statistically, no significant variations were observed across all blood parameters analyzed (P > 0.05). Concerning fat-corrected milk (FCM) and daily milk yield (DMY), no significant changes (P > 0.05) were observed. Compared to R1, the cost of concentrate feed mixture (CFM; LE/kg) was lower by 6.6% and 13.17% in 30%DOP and 60%DOP, respectively, which was strongly reflected in reducing feeding cost to produce 1 kg of milk and enhancing feed and economic efficiency. The results of the study imply that feed producers and ruminant holders may be able to reduce feeding expenses without affecting neither animal welfare nor performance in a way that is still profitable. Moreover, Egyptian buffalo is ideal for Egypt's summer climate

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Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 29 September 2024
  • Receive Date: 23 June 2024
  • Revise Date: 16 August 2024
  • Accept Date: 19 August 2024