Feeding Strategies of Buffaloes in Intensive Farming
Introduction
Buffaloes are vital to India's dairy sector, contributing over 56% of total milk production
despite being only 44.2% of the bovine population. With increasing demand for milk and
dairy products, intensive farming of buffaloes has become essential for improving
productivity and profitability
Nutritional Requirements
Dry Matter Intake (DMI): Buffaloes require about 2.5–3% of their body weight in
dry matter per day.
Digestible Crude Protein (DCP): Essential for milk production and growth. DCP
deficiency of 11% has been reported in pregnant buffaloes in field studies.
Energy: Metabolizable Energy (ME) of 6.5–7.0 MJ/kg DMI is adequate.
Minerals and Vitamins:
o Common deficiencies: Phosphorus (21%), Zinc (65%), Copper (2%), Vitamin
A (45%), and Vitamin E (80%).
o Supplementation with mineral mixtures and common salt is necessary,
especially during the transition period.
Feeding Plan for Different Stages of Buffaloes
A. Growing Calves and Heifers
Age 3–6 months:
o Milk Replacer or Whole Milk: 2–2.5 liters/day.
o Calf Starter: Begin at 100–200 g/day, increasing to 1.0 kg/day by 6 months.
o Roughage (Dry/Green Fodder): Introduce at 2–3 months (0.5–1.5 kg/day).
o Clean Water: Always available.
o Mineral Mixture: 25–30 g/day.
Heifers (6 months to breeding):
o Dry Matter Intake (DMI): 2.5% of body weight/day.
o Roughage: 70% of diet (green or dry).
o Concentrate mixture: 1.0–1.5 kg/day (contains 18% CP, 70% TDN).
o Mineral Mixture & Salt: 1–2% of total concentrate.
B. Pregnant Buffaloes (Last 3 Months of Pregnancy)
Increased demand for fetal growth and colostrum development.
Dry Matter Requirement: 2.5–3% of body weight.
Feed Composition:
o Green Fodder: 40–50%
o Dry Fodder (Straw): 20–30%
o Concentrate Mix: 20–30% (1.5–2.0 kg/day, increasing gradually)
o Minerals: 50–60 g mineral mixture/day (especially rich in Ca, P, Zn, Cu).
o Vitamins: Ensure supply of Vitamin A and E (often deficient by 45–80%).
Transition Period (3 weeks pre- & post-calving):
o Add high-quality concentrate and bypass protein.
o Feed dry matter with 10–12% CP and 60–65% TDN.
o Maintain good body condition (score ~3.5 out of 5).
C. Lactating Buffaloes
Dry Matter Intake: 3–3.5% of body weight/day.
Thumb Rule for Feeding:
o 1 kg concentrate for every 2.5 kg milk yield.
o Example: Buffalo producing 10 kg milk → 4 kg concentrate.
Feed Composition:
o Green Fodder: 40–50%
o Dry Fodder: 20–30%
o Concentrate Feed: 30–40%
Crude Protein: 16–18%
TDN: 65–70%
Bypass protein: 100–200 g/day in high yielders
o Minerals and Salt: 1.5–2% of concentrate mixture.
Challenge Feeding: Start with calving and gradually increase concentrate to meet
peak lactation demand. Adopted by 70% of surveyed farmers
DCP (% of TDN (% of Concentrate Green Fodder Dry Fodder
Category
DM) DM) (%) (%) (%)
Heifer (6–12
12–14% 60–65% 30 50 20
months)
Pregnant Buffalo 10–12% 60–65% 25–30 40–50 20–30
Lactating Buffalo 16–18% 65–70% 30–40 40–50 20–30
Types of feed
1. Green Fodder
Green fodder is rich in protein and vitamins, promotes rumen activity, and enhances milk
yield.
Crude Protein TDN
Fodder Type Notes
(%) (%)
Berseem (Trifolium
12–15% 65–70% High palatability; good winter crop
alexandrinum)
Maize (Zea mays) 8–10% 60–65% Rich in energy; silage form common
Heat-tolerant; should not be fed
Sorghum (Jowar) 6–8% 55–60%
immature due to toxicity
Napier grass (Hybrid 9–12% 58–62% Perennial high-yielding fodder
Crude Protein TDN
Fodder Type Notes
(%) (%)
Napier)
2. Dry Fodder
Dry fodders are fibrous and energy sources. They need to be supplemented with
urea/molasses or concentrates.
Crude Protein TDN
Fodder Type Notes
(%) (%)
Low nutritive value; common basal
Wheat Straw 3–4% 40–45%
roughage
Rice Straw 4–5% 40–45% Better when chopped and soaked
Legume Hay (e.g.,
10–12% 55–60% Good for young and lactating animals
Lucerne)
3. Concentrates
Concentrates are rich in protein and energy. Used to balance the nutrients lacking in
roughages.
Ingredient Crude Protein (%) TDN (%) Notes
Cottonseed Cake 22–25% 75–78% Excellent protein source
Mustard Cake 35–38% 70–72% Contains glucosinolates; use in moderation
Maize (corn) 8–9% 85–88% Rich in starch; energy dense
Wheat Bran 12–15% 65–70% High fiber; stimulates digestion
4. Agro-industrial By-products
Useful for cost-effective feeding and utilizing available resources.
By-product Crude Protein (%) TDN (%) Notes
Sugarcane Tops 6–8% 50–55% Needs urea/molasses treatment
Brewer’s Grains (Wet) 20–24% 65–70% High moisture; short shelf life
Molasses 3–4% 65–70% Rich in sugars; used for palatability
FEEDING STRATEGIES ON MALE BUFFALOES
1. Nutritional Objectives
Maintain optimal body condition (neither too fat nor too thin).
Provide energy for work, exercise, or mating activities.
Supply minerals and vitamins for fertility and immunity.
2. Nutrient Requirements
Growing Male
Parameter Adult Breeding Bulls Working Bulls
Buffaloes
Dry Matter Intake 2.5–3% of body
2.5% of body weight 2–2.5% of body weight
(DMI) weight
Crude Protein (CP) 10–12% of total diet 10–11% 9–10%
Energy (TDN) 60–65% 55–60% 60–65%
Calcium & 0.4–0.6% Ca, 0.3– Adequate for bone &
Phosphorus 0.5% P semen health
3. Feed Composition
A. Growing Male Calves (6–24 months):
Roughage: 60–70% (green + dry)
Concentrate: 30–40% (1.5–2.5 kg/day)
Mineral mixture: 30–50 g/day
Example Diet:
o Green fodder (e.g., maize, napier): 6–8 kg
o Dry fodder (e.g., straw): 2–3 kg
o Concentrate mix: 2 kg
B. Adult Breeding Bulls:
Maintenance diet with added energy during the mating season.
Total feed: 10–12 kg DM/day
Include: Protein-rich concentrates (e.g., mustard cake, cottonseed cake), vitamins
(especially E and A), and minerals (Zn, Cu, Se).
Avoid overfeeding to prevent obesity, which lowers libido.
C. Working Bulls:
Require extra energy, especially during ploughing or transport.
Energy-dense concentrate with grains and oilseed cakes.
Add molasses or protected fat in summer for heat stress management.
Feeding Management Tips
Proper feeding management ensures optimal health, productivity, and feed efficiency in
buffaloes. Here are essential practices:
Regular Feeding Intervals (2–3 times/day):
Buffaloes thrive on routine. Feeding at fixed times helps maintain rumen function,
promotes better feed intake, and prevents digestive disorders like acidosis and
bloating.
Clean Drinking Water:
Provide 50–70 liters/day per adult buffalo. Water is essential for digestion,
thermoregulation, milk secretion, and metabolic functions. During summer, this may
increase to 80 liters or more.
Avoid Sudden Diet Changes:
Any abrupt change in feed type, quantity, or composition can disrupt rumen microbes,
leading to reduced feed intake and digestion issues. Transition feed changes over 5–7
days.
Salt and Mineral Blocks:
Always keep salt licks and mineral mixture blocks available. They are crucial for
bone development, enzyme function, immunity, and reproductive efficiency.
Deficiencies of P, Zn, Cu, or vitamins like A and E are common without
supplementation.
Monitor Body Condition Score (BCS):
Regularly assess BCS (scale of 1–5). Maintain a BCS of 3–3.5 for breeding and
lactating buffaloes. Adjust feed if animals are too lean or over-conditioned.
Conclusion
Feeding strategies in intensive buffalo farming must be scientific, stage-specific, and
nutritionally balanced. Proper feed management, especially during the transition period,
plays a vital role in:
Increasing milk yield
Improving reproductive efficiency
Enhancing disease resistance
Reducing economic losses
Educating farmers on feeding principles and investing in quality feed and mineral
supplementation are key pillars for sustainable and profitable dairy buffalo farming in
India
