Optimizing reproductive performance: Substituting green fodder with concentrate mixture in lactating Murrah buffaloes
Ravi Kumar, Harish Kumar Gulati, Umesh Kumar Jaiswal, Pradeep Kumar and Ramkaran
Livestock productivity, particularly within the dairy industry, relies heavily on optimizing feed resources. This study investigates the implications of replacing green fodder with concentrate mixture on reproductive parameters in lactating Murrah buffaloes. Murrah buffaloes play a crucial role in agricultural landscapes, particularly in countries like India, contributing significantly to milk, meat, and other by-products. Despite their importance, challenges such as low milk yield and poor reproductive performance persist, often due to inadequate feed resources and malnutrition. This study conducted at the Buffalo farm of the Department of Livestock Production Management, aimed to explore the impact of replacing green fodder with concentrate mixture on reproductive parameters. Eighteen lactating Murrah buffaloes were allocated to three dietary treatment groups. Various reproductive parameters, including days to attain post-partum estrus, open days, and number of services per conception, were observed. The findings reveal that replacing green fodder with concentrate mixture resulted in significant improvements in reproductive parameters. Buffaloes in treatment groups exhibited earlier attainment of post-partum estrus and reduced open days, indicating enhanced reproductive efficiency. These results align with previous research, reaffirming the positive impact of concentrate supplementation on reproductive performance in dairy animals. In conclusion, optimizing feed resources, particularly by increasing the concentration of concentrate mixture in the ration, can significantly improve the reproductive performance of lactating Murrah buffaloes. This study underscores the importance of feed optimization in ensuring the sustainability of the dairy industry amidst evolving agricultural landscapes and resource constraints.
