Effects Of Postgestation Period Feeding On Dairy Buffalo Cows And Calves

Buffaloes are tolerant to rough feeding,but their performance is low.Therefore,both production performance and biological characteristics should be considered in the formulation of feeding standards for milk buffaloes,so as to give full play to their biological characteristics and improve the economic benefits of breeding.In order to optimize feeding standards for milk buffaloes during gestation period,24 milk buffaloes with 250 days of gestation were selected and divided into four groups.They were fed 100%(AL group),90%(10 FR group),80%(20 FR group)and 70%(30 FR group)total mixed ration(TMR)for about 2 months,respectively.By measuring maternal body weight,digestive performance,serum biochemical indexes,lactation milk yield and milk composition,growth and development of calves and serum biochemical indexes,this study aims to explore the effects of post-gestation feeding period on pregnancy,calf development and postpartum lactation performance of milk buffaloes.Trial 1: Effects of restricted feeding of milk buffaloes in late pregnancy on maternal body condition,serum indexes and lactation performanceThe cows were weighed on the 250 d,265th and 295 th day of gestation.Jugular vein sampling was performed on the 295 th day of gestation;At 300 days of gestation,digestion test was conducted by total fecal collection method,and feeding was performed by lactation TMR after delivery.Milk was milked at 5 am and 3 PM on the 1st,2nd and 3rd day,respectively,and milk production was recorded.Samples were taken for milk composition analysis.The results showed that with the increase of restricted feeding or the decrease of dry matter intake:(1)the body weight gain of buffalo was significantly affected(P <0.05);(2)With the decrease of nutrient digestibility,the contents of growth hormone,glucose,insulin and total amino acids in serum were decreased,but the contents of urea nitrogen,leptin,creatinine and cortisol were increased;(3)Birth weight of Suckling calves tended to decrease but had no significant effect(P>0.05);(4)The milk yield of buffaloes in 30%restricted feeding group was the lowest three days before lactation,and the milk yield of buffaloes in 10% restricted feeding group was close to that in 20% restricted feeding group;The contents of milk fat and lactose in colostrum decreased with the decrease of feeding level,but the contents of milk protein,non-fat milk solids and total solids increased with the decrease of feeding level.Trial 2: Effects of restricted feeding of milk buffaloes in late gestation on growth and serum indexes of lactating calvesCalves born under different restricted feeding conditions during gestation period were fed in the same way,that is,2 kg colostrum was given within 2 h after birth(the colostrum was thawed and heated after it was removed from the refrigerator),and then fed regular milk.From the 10 th day,granular calf starter(purchased from Huludao Meigao Animal Husbandry Co.,LTD.)and green hay(purchased from surrounding farmers)were provided.On the 0th and 60 th day of birth,the calves were weighed before feeding in the morning.On the 7th and60 th day after birth,the body size was measured and blood was collected from the jugular vein.The results showed as follows:(1)There were no significant differences in growth indexes among all restricted feeding groups(P>0.05);(2)Serum total antioxidant capacity(T-AOC)of lactating calves in restricted feeding group was significantly decreased(P<0.05).In conclusion,with the increase of restricted feeding or the decrease of feeding level,the body weight gain and nutrient digestibility of pregnant milk buffaloes are significantly affected,and the contents of growth hormone,glucose,insulin and total amino acids in serum are decreased,while the contents of urea nitrogen,leptin,creatinine and cortisol are increased.The birth traits of lactating calves tend to decrease but have no significant effect.The milk yield in the first three days of lactation with low feeding level was the lowest,and the milk yield in the 10% and 20% restricted feeding groups was close.The contents of milk fat and lactose in colostrum decreased with the decrease of feeding level,while the contents of milk protein,non-fat milk solids and total solids increased with the decrease of feeding level.Serum T-AOC in Suckling calves fed after pregnancy was significantly reduced,and birth weight and growth were affected,but there was no statistical difference.