Effect of water quality on production performance of lactating Nili-Ravi buffaloes

Authors: MUHAMMAD ASIM TAUSIF, FAISAL SHAHZAD, JALEES AHMED BHATTI, SUNDAS QAMAR, ANJUM KHALIQUE, HIFZ-UL RAHMAN, HAFIZ MUHAMMAD ALI, AZFAR HUSSAIN

Abstract: The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of drinking water quality on the milk production performance of Nili-Ravi buffaloes. Lactating Nili-Ravi buffaloes (n = 12) of the same parity were randomly divided into three groups: A, B, and C (n = 4). Group A was offered turbine water, group B (the control) was kept on tap water, and group C was given canal water for drinking. Mean daily milk production was found significantly (P < 0.01) higher for group A as compared to the other groups. Dry matter intake (DMI) was lowest in group B followed by group A. Milk composition, including fat, solid not fat, and total solid percentages, was found statistically different (P < 0.001) among all groups. Feed efficiency was higher in the control (group B) followed by group C and group A. A significant (P < 0.001) difference for water intake was also observed among all groups. In conclusion, buffaloes kept on tap drinking water showed better milk production performance.

Keywords: Nili-Ravi buffaloes, water quality, milk production, milk composition

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