Changes in Nutrient Intake and Metabolic Profile of Murrah Buffaloes on Varying Metabolizable Protein Intake

Sixteen Murrah buffaloes in their advanced pregnancy were divided into three dietary treatments based on the most probable producing ability (MPPA; 2250 kg) and lactation number (3.59±0.98). Duration of feeding trial extended from 40 days pre-partum to 90 days post-partum. Dietary treatments included, low metabolizable protein (LMP @ MP level 15% below ICAR, 2013 requirements), medium metabolizable protein (MMP, MP level as per ICAR, 2013 requirements), and high metabolizable protein (HMP, MP level @ 15% more than ICAR, 2013 requirements) in the ration respectively. Concentrate mixture, green fodder (maize) and dry roughage (wheat straw) were offered to individual animal as per experimental protocol. Dry matter intakes (DMI), total digestible nutrient (TDN) intake (% BW basis) were similar in all the experimental groups. However, metabolizable energy (ME) intake (% BW basis) post-partum was significantly improved in HMP group compared to LMP group. Crude protein intake (CPI) and MPI (g/100 kg BW) before and after calving were statistically higher in HMP followed by MMP and LMP groups, respectively. Milk yield (kg/day) and FPCM were adversely affected on feeding in LMP group. The metabolic profile i.e. non esterified fatty acid (NEFA), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and immunoglobulin (IgG) were not altered on varying MP intake. The antioxidant profile, including SOD, GPx and FRAP assay were not influenced by dietary treatments. It is evident from present experiment that metabolic profile of Murrah buffalo remain unaltered due to variation in MP intake but milk yield and intake of nutrients adversely affected on lowering MP level in ration.