EFFECT OF PRE AND POST-PARTUM SUPPLEMENTATION TO BUFFALOES ON BODY CONDITION, LACTATION AND REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE

The present study was to assess the effect of concentrate supplementation during pre-partum and post-partum on the performance of buffaloes. Twenty eight pre-partum buffaloes (10 to 12 weeks before calving) were randomly divided in two groups control (n=14) and treatment (n=14) to ascertain the effect of concentrate supplementation during pre-partum and post-partum and its influence on feed intake, body condition, lactation and reproductive performance in buffaloes. In control group, pregnant buffaloes were fed as per farmer's practices (0.5 to 1.0 kg concentrate), while in treatment group, pregnant buffaloes were given specially formulated concentrate mixture (CP 22%) 2.0 to 2.5 kg per day. After parturition the lactating buffaloes of treatment and control group were further divided into two sub groups (7 each) to receive either concentrate supplementation or as per farmers' practices. The basal diet of wheat straw was offered ad libitum. Concentrate supplementation during pre-partum significantly (P<0.05) improved total dry matter intake and body condition score of pregnant buffaloes as compared to control. Concentrate supplementation during postpartum period also appreciably improved feed intake, body condition, lactation and reproductive performance of buffaloes.