Performance of lactating buffaloes on soybean hulls based concentrate mixture

Abstract

Eighteen lactating buffaloes were fed for 90 days to assess the effect of utilization of soybean hulls replacing maize grains in the concentrate mixture of lactating buffaloes. The buffaloes were divided into three groups of six buffalo each and fed as (CG) with maize based concentrate mixture, (25SH) concentrate mixture with 25% replacement of maize with soybean hulls and (50SH) fed on concentrate mixture with 50% replacement of maize with soybean hulls. The DMI and DMI percent BW showed nonsignificant differences. The NDF digestibility was significantly (P<0.05) better in soya hulls groups, all other nutrient digestibility did not vary significantly. The milk production and composition did not alter on soya hulls feeding, except milk protein. The rumen liquor profile did not alter due to supplementation of soybean hulls. The milk economics was better in 50SH group. It was concluded that soybean hulls can replace corn up to 50% as an energy source in the concentrate mixture of lactating buffaloes for economical milk production.