Effect of supplements on performance, physiological values, rumen parameters and intake of draught buffaloes

In four experiments carried out in the Mekong delta of Vietnam, urea-mineral mixtures (UMM), urea-molasses-mineral soft cakes (UMC), urea-treated-rice straw, and legume tree leaves were given as supplements to swamp buffaloes fed rice straw or grasses in the dry and rainy season. The results showed that the live weight, common physiological parameters, health, working performance, rumen parameters and feed intake of the supplemented buffaloes were improved as compared to the controls. It was concluded that supplements should be given to buffaloes at the end of the dry (non-working) season and during the wet (working season) to mitigate the effects of low quality diets and intensive working. The supplements also helped to keep the buffaloes in good health under harsh conditions of shortage of feed and water. Further trials should be done to study the effects of different levels of supplements on working buffaloes.