Effect of Feeding Rumen Protected Protein on Milk Production in Lactating Buffaloes

Feeding trial using bypass protein supplement was conducted on 16 lactating buffaloes for 8 weeks. Buffaloes daily yielding 8–9 kg milk per animal were divided into two groups of eight each, based on milk yield, fat percentage and stage of lactation. The animals in both the groups were fed standard ration, comprising 12 kg green maize fodder and 5 kg paddy straw. Concentrate mixture was given according to their level of milk production. In addition to the basal ration, animals in control group were fed 1.0 kg untreated sunflower meal (Helianthus annuus; UDP 33% of CP) and in experimental group 1.0 kg protected sunflower meal (UDP 75% of CP). Average increase in milk yield (kg), fat and protein percent in experimental group was 0.80, 0.40 and 0.20 respectively. Through increase in milk yield and fat percent were significantly (P<0.05) higher, no significant effect was observed on level of protein percent in milk by feeding protected protein. Average net daily income increased by Rs.14.49 on feeding 1.0 kg protected sunflower meal in lactating buffaloes.