Lactational performance of dairy buffaloes affected by replacing soybean meal with an alternative microbial protein source

Abstract

Thirty dairy buffaloes were used for 90 days to evaluate the impact of a novel protein source (HI-PRO®), a feed alternative rich in protein (made from Saccharomyces and Bacillus), on the productivity of nursing buffaloes. The nursing water buffaloes had an average weight of 550 ± 11.2 kg. The treatments consisted of diets containing two distinct protein sources: (1) soybean meal (44 % as the control group); and (2) HI-PRO® product. Throughout the trial, measurements of nutritional digestibility and blood metabolites (total protein, albumin, urea, and creatinine) were conducted. Quantity and composition of the milk were measured to determine the content of milk proteins, lipids, and lactose. The outcome of the results showed insignificant decrease in the buffaloes receiving HI-PRO® feed versus control group. Furthermore, there was enhancement in the fiber digestibility by approximately 2.5 % in the HI-PRO® group compared to the control group. The levels of protein, albumin, globulin, urea, and creatinine fall within the normal range for animals in good health. Using HI-PRO® resulted in a marginal improvement in milk production, increasing it by approximately 4.8 % compared to soybean meal. Furthermore, the buffaloes fed HI-PRO® showed a slightly elevated 4 % fat-corrected milk output and milk composition. To summarize, nursing buffaloes can utilize HI-PRO® as an efficient protein source in their diets, replacing soybean meal.

Keywords

• Dairy buffaloes
• Soybean meal
• Protein replacement
• Lactation
• Single cell protein