A strategic approach to improve production of buffaloes in rural areas in Central India through nutrient supplementation.

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of strategic nutrient supplementation (SNS) on milk production of buffaloes and economics of milk production in central India. The average daily milk yield of individual lactating buffaloes was recorded daily. A total of 20 lactating buffaloes were selected randomly. These animals were divided into two groups (n=10) as Group 1 (Control or farmers’ practice) and Group 2 (Supplemented Group). Groups 1 and 2 were again divided into two subgroups i.e. CA and TA (post-calving period up to 5 months) and CB and TB (post-calving period more than 5 months). SNS was evolved on the basis of nutrient defi ciencies. Lactating buffaloes of Group 2 were supplemented 1 kg SNS/day for 60 days. The average percent change in milk production in all 4 fortnights in subgroups CA, CB, TA and TB were (-) 7.31%, (-) 34.7%, 0.72% and (-) 2.57%, respectively. Overall reduction in milk yield observed in Group 1was 21% and in Group 2 it was 0.93%. The average percent change in milk production after the termination of the experiment in subgroups CA, CB, TA and TB was (-) 26.2%, (-) 82.7%, 4.17% and (-) 9.91%, respectively. The cost of feed per kg of milk production before and after experiment, in CA, CB, TA and TB was Rs. 11.3, 10.0, 11.8, 7.9 and 14.0, 40.7, 13.8, 10.9, respectively. Overall cost of feed per kg of milk before and after the experiment in Group1 was Rs 10.7 and Rs 9.89, whereas in Group2 it was Rs 27.3 and Rs 12.4, respectively. Results revealed that the SNS in the ration enhances persistency of lactation which refl ects the improvement in production and results in better farmer’s income by Rs 15.9/buffalo/ day in early lactation and by Rs 35.8/buffalo/day in late lactation.