Influence of varying level of sodium bicarbonate on milk yield and its composition in early lactating Nili Ravi buffaloes.

摘要

The influence of varying levels of sodium bicarbonate (SB) supplementation on milk yield and composition was examined in a randomized complete block design in early lactating Nili-Ravi buffaloes during summer. Four isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets were formulated. The diet 0B contained 0 whereas LB, MB and HB diets contained 0.50, 1.0 and 1.50% SB levels, respectively. The diets were randomly allotted to 20 buffaloes, 5 in each group. A linear increase in the nutrient and water intakes was recorded with increasing SB level. Buffaloes fed MB and HB diets showed higher nitrogen balance than those fed 0B and LB diets. A significant increase in blood pH and serum bicarbonate was observed with increasing SB level. Urine pH increased significantly with increased SB level. A linear increase in milk yield was also noticed with increasing SB level. Milk fat percentage increased significantly in buffaloes fed MB and HB diets compared to those fed 0B and LB diets. Buffaloes fed HB diet had a higher conception rate and less services per conception than those fed 0B diet. This study indicated that a high SB diet not only increased dry matter and water intakes, milk yield and milk fat percentage but also increased conception rate in early lactating buffaloes during summer.