Effect of feeding betaine hydrochloride and bypass fat supplement on feed intake, milk yield and physiological parameters in lactating buffaloes during heat stress

© Abstract: Present study examined the effect of feeding betaine hydrochloride (BH) and bypass fat (BF) in 24 early lactating buffaloes during May to July, 2018 in Nadiad district of Gujarat state. Buffaloes (30-35 days in milk) yielding 10-12 kg milk/d were divided into three groups of eight each based on milk yield, fat% and stage of lactation. Buffaloes in T 1 group (control) were fed basal ration. In addition to basal ration, buffaloes in T 2 group were fed daily 30 g BH + 100 g buffer; while buffaloes in T 3 group were fed daily 30 g BH + 100 g buffer + 100 g BF for 60 days. Average thermal humidity index was 80.10 at 14:00 hr during the trial period. Study revealed that DMI improved (P=0.011) in T 3 group as compared to control. Non-significant difference in milk yield was observed among the groups; however, reduction in milk yield was lower in T 2 & T 3 groups, as compared to control. Milk fat improved by 3.2% and 6.2% (P=0.002) in T 2 and T 3 groups, respectively. Rectal temperature (102.8, 102.7 vs 103.6 °F), respiration rate (46.0, 45.1 vs 60.1 breath/min.) and pulse rate (61.2, 58.5 vs 72.9 pulse/min.) at 14:00 hr were significantly (P<0.01) lower in buffaloes under T 2 and T 3 group as compared to T 1 group. Average net daily income was increased by Rs. 36.02 and 47.43 in T 2 and T 3 group, respectively as compared to