Effect of bypass fatty acid and Tinospora cordifolia supplementation on production performance and milk fatty acid profiling in Murrah buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

Buffaloes contribute about 49% of total milk production and are considered as major milk-producing animals in India. During the early stage of lactation, mostly high producing animals suffer from negative energy balance (NEB) due to imbalance between the needs and availability of energy, and this NEB has a negative impact on production and health of buffaloes. Taking this into consideration, a study was conducted at National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal on 20 freshly calved healthy Murrah buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis). Buffaloes were grouped depending on their previous milk yield, body weight, and parity as T₀ (control), T₁ (fatty acids), T₂ (Tinospora), and T₃ (mix) groups having five animals each. Supplementation of 150 g of bypass fatty acids in T₁ group, 150 g of Tinospora powder in T₂ group, and combination of 150 of bypass fatty acid and 150 g of Tinospora powder in T₃ group over and above the standard feeding schedule was done for a duration of 90 days whereas standard feeding schedule was followed in T₀ group. A significant (P < 0.05) increase in average daily milk yield was observed in T₁ (10.06 ± 0.56 kg/d/h), T₂ (10.30 ± 0.53 kg/d/h), and T₃ (10.11 ± 0.48 kg/d/h) in comparison to control group (8.05 ± 0.38 kg/d/h). Significantly (P < 0.05) higher milk fat percent and total solids were also recorded in treatment groups over the control group. Other milk constituents (SNF, protein, lactose, ash) and milk properties (pH, conductivity, freezing point, density) remained unaffected by the supplementations. The somatic cell count values were significantly (P < 0.05) decreased in T₂ and T₃ with the advancement in the lactation in comparison to T₀ and T₁. Supplementation also leads to significantly (P < 0.05) higher MUFA and PUFA contents in milk of treatment group buffaloes in comparison to control group. The study outcomes state that combination of bypass fatty acids and Tinospora cordifolia supplementation improves milk production and its composition in lactating Murrah buffaloes.