Influence of biofortified wheat (WB 2) straw-based diet on nutrient digestibility, milk production, blood and milk mineral profile in lactating Murrah (Bubalus bubalis) buffaloes

AbstractThe present investigation aimed to study the effect of biofortified wheat (WB 2) straw-based diet on lactating Murrah buffaloes. Twelve Murrah buffaloes were divided into two groups i.e., Control (T0) and Treatment (T1) based on body weight, parity, and previous milk record. Feeding was done as per ICAR (2013) standard for 90 days. Animals of the control group were fed conventional wheat straw, oats fodder, and concentrate mixture in the ratio 50:15:35 (on Dry Matter basis), respectively, whereas, animals of the treatment group were fed biofortified wheat straw, oats fodder and concentrate mixture in the same ratio. Nutrient analysis revealed minor differences between biofortified and conventional wheat straws. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) among both the groups when means were compared for daily dry matter intake (T0: 15.70 ± 0.17 Kg/day/animal versus T1:15.75 ± 0.12 Kg/day/animal). Digestibility of Dry Matter (DM), Crude Protein (CP), Ether Extract (EE), Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF), Acid-Detergent Fiber (ADF), and Organic Matter (OM) did not differ (P > 0.05) between groups. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in milk yield between the two groups (T0: 7.65 ± 0.1 Kg/day/animal vs T1: 7.75 ± 0.08 Kg/day/animal). Similarly, there was no significant difference (P > 0.05) found in Somatic Cell Count (SCC) and milk composition (Fat, SNF, Lactose, Protein) when analysed at weekly intervals. Mineral analysis of blood plasma and milk carried out at monthly intervals showed similar concentrations in both groups. Based on this study, it can be inferred that despite the biofortification of wheat variety WB 2, the zinc and iron concentrations in the straw were similar to conventional wheat straw. Hence, the straw from WB 2 variety had no significant impact on milk quality and production.