Effect of Enzyme Supplementation on Productive and Reproductive Performance of Lactating Murrah Buffaloes in Different Seasons

Abstract

Twenty four lactating Murrah buffaloes were selected for the two phase research trial of 90 days each from Livestock Research Centre, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture & Technology, Modipuram, Meerut (U.P). All the selected animals were randomly allocated into four treatment groups having six animals in each group, on the basis of body weight, lactation length and milk yield. The daily nutrient requirements of lactating Murrah buffaloes in term of DM, DCP and TDN were provided as per the feeding standards of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (2013) . Total Mixed Ration for buffaloes was prepared by mixing of roughage and concentrates in the ratio of 60:40 after grinding/chaffing. Roughage part was consisting of available winter and summer season green fodder and wheat straw available at research centre. Feeding trial was planned into four treatment groups viz. T1 (Basal diet without enzyme supplementation), T2 (Basal diet with supplementation of Xylanase @800000 IU), T3 (Basal diet with supplementation of Cellulase @240000 IU) and T4 (Basal diet with supplementation of Xylanase @800000 IU and Cellulase@240000 IU). During winter season (phase first) trial between December to February it was observed that the average milk yield (5.34 litre/day) was higher in T4 as compared to other treatment groups, but the difference was non-significant. The result of T4 group animals were shown a slight increment in all major milk constituents, while statistically the difference was found non-significant. The average DM intake (kg/d, kg/100kg BW and g/kg W0.75) was remained static in all treatment groups. The CP intake (g/d, g/100kg BW) and TDN intake (kg/d, kg/100kg BW and g/kg W0.75) was significantly (P<0.05) higher in cellulase enzyme supplemented groups. The digestibility coefficient of CP, CF, NDF and ADF were higher (P<0.05) in buffaloes of cellulase supplementing over control (T1) group. During summer season (second phase) trial between May to July the milk yield (5.93 litre/day) was higher in T4 as compared to other treatment groups i.e. 5.47, 5.59 and 5.88 litres per day in T1, T2 and T3 group, respectively. Statistically milk yield was significantly higher in cellulase supplemented groups. The milk fat (%) was significantly higher in enzyme supplemented over control group. The results were shown an increment in all other major milk constituents in enzyme supplemented group in comparison to control group, while statistically the difference was found non-significant. The average DM intake (kg/d, kg/100kg body wt. and g/kg W0.75) was remaining static in all treatment groups while the CP intake (g/d, g/100kg BW and g/kg W0.75) was significantly higher in cellulase supplemented buffaloes. The TDN intake (kg/d, kg/100kg BW and g/kg W0.75) was also significantly (P<0.05) higher in enzyme supplemented groups. Similarly, the digestibility coefficient of CF, NDF and ADF were higher (P<0.05) in buffaloes of T3 and T4 over control (T1) group. The water intake and physiological responses was well within normal range during entire research trial and no significant variation was observed among all the treatment groups. Feeding and rumination time and physiological responses was non significant in all the treatment groups both in winter and summer season. Total blood plasma protein, albumin and globulin significantly affected by the enzyme supplement group of buffaloes both during winter and summer season. Significant improvement were observed in the average number of days from postpartum to first estrus and parturition to conception in buffaloes kept on xylanase and cellulase supplement during winter. The number of services per conception was almost static in all treatment group buffaloes during entire trial period. The results related to treatment interaction effect within the season and across the season shown that there no significant difference was observed between the seasons for parameter milk yield, milk constituents, physiological parameters, blood biochemical profile and feeding behaviour while the significant difference was observed between the seasons for parameter TDN intake g/kg W0.75. The digestibility (%) of DM, OM, EE and NFE was non-significantly affected within and between the winter and summer seasons. So, it is concluded from the above study that milk production and milk composition, nutrient intake and utilization, rumination time and reproductive performance was improved in the combine use of Xylanase and Cellulase enzyme supplemented group of buffaloes during summer and winter season.