Feeding regimes and some production parameters of Anatolian buffaloes in the Kizilirmak delta of Samsun province in Turkey

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine feeding regimes and some production parameters of Anatolia buffaloes in the Azikheli Delta which one of the Turkey’s biggest and most important wetland ecosystem. A total of 59 dairy farms, whose owners were members of the Samsun Provincial Buffalo Breeders Union, were selected for the survey. According to results of the survey, 55.9% of the buffalo breeders had above 20 buffaloes. The majority of the farmers produced their own roughage. Most respondents reported that calves were weaned at 5 months of age or older. The investigation revealed that the buffalo feeding system depended on grazing from April to November (summer feeding). During winter feeding, dry forage+silage were used together on the majority of the farms (96.6%). All respondents didn’t feed concentrates to their heifers and pregnant buffaloes in the last trimester were fed a special regime by some farmers (16.9%). The buffaloes in early lactation were provided a supplementary concentrate mixture by 78% of farmers. None of the producers used balanced rations for their animals. Daily milk yield, 69.5% of farms, were 3 to 5 L. Mean age at first calving were 31 to 36 months. The survey results showed that the feeding regimes for Anatolian buffaloes adopted by the farmers are deficient and this is probably causing reduced milk yields and reproductive performance. Consequently, in order to improvement milk yield and reproduction potential, it is suggested that buffalo feeding regime should be matched to nutrient requirements and giving information to farmers about feeding techniques.