Effect of Rumen Protected Methionine and Choline on Blood Biochemical Metabolites, Milk Yield and its Composition during Transition Period in Surti Buffaloes

Abstract

Background: Methionine and choline supplementation can aid in nutritionally managing transition Surti buffaloes. Present study has evaluated blood biochemical metabolites, milk yield and its changes in composition on supplementation of rumen protected methionine (RPM) and choline (RPC) in transition Surti buffaloes. Methods: Twenty-seven pregnant multiparous Surti buffaloes in three groups (n=9) from -15 d to 30 d postpartum received supplementation as: T1 (Control: basal diet), T2 (basal diet + RPM@10 gm/animal/day) and T3 (basal diet + RPM@10 gm/animal/day + RPC@ 50 gm/animal/day). Sample was collected at beginning, 1st, 3rd and 6th week for blood and at 1st, 3rd, 6th, 9th and 12th week postpartum for milk. Milk yield was recorded upto 100 days postpartum. Result: Postpartum TC, HDL and VLDL differed significantly (P less than 0.05) being highest in T3 and lowest in control (T1) whereas it was reverse for NEFA and BHBA. Supplemented groups had significantly lower TG levels at 1st and 3rd week postpartum. Milk fat upto 9th and SNF, protein, lactose, TAS, Ca, P and Mg upto 6th week were significantly (P less than 0.05) highest in T3, followed by T2 and T1. It was concluded that RPC along with RPM supplementation is more beneficial than only RPM supplementation in terms of enhancing liver health, reducing negative energy balance and improving milk quality.