Author(s): Chitra P

Abstract: A study was conducted to find out the feeding value of brewer’s grain on milk production and economics of dairy buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) at farmer’s field in Tiruppur district of Tamil Nadu. India. Wet brewers’ grain (WBG) is low cost used in animal nutrition and due to its high fiber content, especially in cattle and buffaloes. The experiment was carried out under completely randomized block design. Sixty lactating non-descript buffalo were randomly selected for three treatment groups with four replicates and five buffaloes each. The nutrient requirements calculated were according to Indian Council Agriculture Research (1998) and experimental feeds were formulated dietary inclusion Brewer’s grain 0% (T₁ Control group) 10% (T₂) and 20% (T₃) ration dry matter replacing the buffalo feed experimental diet were fed with the buffalo feed twice daily, in the morning and in the afternoon before milking. Required green fodder was fed four times a day to avoid wastage of feed. Data on milk yield of individual animal was recorded daily throughout the experimental period. Milk samples were collected at fortnightly intervals and were analyzed for total solids, fat and solid not fat (SNF). The result showed that there was highly significant (p<0.01) increase on milk yield (kg per day) when brewers grain was included in the buffalo ration at 20 percent DM replacing cattle feed dry matter quantity proportionately compared to other rations (T₁ and T₃). Non-significant (p<0.01) changes were recorded in milk Fat (%), solid not fat (%) and total solids (%) of milk between treatment groups. The efficiencies of milk yield (milk yield/DMI) were significantly (p<0.05) differed compare to control group and T₂ group compared to T₃ The income over feed cost (Rs/animal/day) was significantly more for T₃ group.

DOI: 10.33545/26174693.2024.v8.i5Se.1194