EFFECT OF DIFFERENT LEVELS OF ZINC SUPPLEMENTATION ON UTILIZATION OF NONPROTEINOUS NITROGEN FOR LACTATING BUFFALOES

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Animal Production Research Institute Dokki, E9.YPt

Abstract

Sixteen lactating buffaloes in four groups were fed on rations, consisted of
concentrate feed mixture and rice straw, provided with 1% urea and zinc sulfate with
different levels: 0, 40, 80 and 120 mglkg DM intake, respectively. Results showed that
the addition of zinc improved the digestiblities of DM, OM, CP, CF. EE and NFE.
Feeding values as TDN and DCP appeared the same previous trend. In addition, 80
and 120 mg zinclkg DM intake improved the serum total protein and globulin but only
120 mg Zn/kg DM intake improved the serum zinc concentration, while it reduced the
concentration of both albumin and urea in blood serum of buffaloes. The data
revealed that zinc addition with the two concentrations (80 and 120 mg Znlkg OM
intake) did not affect the milk yield, fat correct milk 7% and milk compositions, but the
addition of 40 mg zinc improved the fat correct milk, fat and total solids of milk and
milk energy, Generally, the addition of zinc with different concentrations did not affect
feed intake as DM, TDN or DCP intake and feed efficiency as kg 7% fat correct
milk/OM or TDN or DCP. Ad<Ution..of 40 mg zinc significantly increased either of birth
and weaning weights and daily gain of calves.

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