Effect of bovine somatotropin administration and wallowing on milk production, milk protein and fat contents in Nili-Ravi buffaloes during summer

Abstract

The present study was conducted with the objective to determine the combine or alone responses of bovine somatotropin and wallowing in summer stressed buffaloes. A total of 60 lactating Nili-Ravi buffaloes of approximately similar age group, body weight and stage of lactation (midlactation) were selected during May to August, 2013. All buffaloes were divided into four groups (A, B, C, D). Group A buffaloes were kept in open shed without bovine somatotropin injection, whereas group B were buffaloes kept in open shed along with bovine somatotropin. Group C buffaloes were kept in open shed along with wallowing without bovine somatotropin whereas group D buffaloes were kept in open shed along with wallowing with bovine somatotropin injection. Buffaloes of group C and D were allowed a wallowing period of one hour during day time. Animals of group B and D were injected subcutaneously with 500 mg of bovine somatotropin after every 14 days. The mean milk yield (l/day) in group A, B, C and D was 7.12 ± 0.46, 8.47 ± 0.63, 8.18 ± 0.22 and 9.25 ± 0.18, respectively. Among all groups of buffaloes, the mean (± SE) milk yield varied non-significantly (P > 0.05). The mean milk fat percentage in group A, B, C and D buffaloes were 5.22 ± 0.07, 5.39 ± 0.06, 5.25 ± 0.05, 5.49 ± 0.06, respectively. Non-significant difference in fat percentage was observed among different groups of buffaloes. The mean milk protein percentage in group A, B, C and D buffaloes were 2.81 ± 0.03, 2.83 ± 0.05, 2.80 ± 0.05, 2.83 ± 0.05, respectively. Protein percentage differed non-significantly in four groups. It was concluded that the combined effect of bovine somatotropin (bST) and wallowing increased non-significantly the milk yield, fat and protein percentage of milk in Nili-Ravi buffaloes.