Effect of Betaine Supplementation on Production Performance and Serum Antioxidant indices of Nili-Ravi buffaloes during Summer

Abstract This study aimed to determine whether feeding betaine (Bet) to lactating Nili-Ravi buffaloes elevates their production performance during the hot and humid climate. Sixty lactating Nili-Ravi buffaloes were randomly divided into four groups: the Control group received a standard concentrates basal diet without Bet, whereas in the treated group the same diet was supplemented with Bet at 0.2%, 0.4% and 0.6% on DM basis for 12 weeks. All animals received ad libitum amount of Maize fodder. Milk and blood were sampled throughout the experimental period. The results showed that feeding Bet to buffaloes increased (p < 0.05) milk yield at all the three inclusion levels; however, milk composition remained unaffected. There was no difference in production at the three levels. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) in all three treatments and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in Bet 0.2% inclusion level, were higher (p < 0.05) as compared to control. However, malondialdehyde (MDA) was not significantly affected. Inclusion of Bet in concentrate ration of lactating buffalos at 0.2% level on dry matter (DM) basis is recommended as it positively influenced the production and also improved their antioxidant status during summer.