Augmanting buffalo reproduction in tribal areas of Panchmahal district (Gujarat) through appropriate mineral mixture supplementation

An on-farm trial for 90 days was conducted using 20 anoestrus and 20 repeat breeder buffaloes to evaluate the effect of supplementing appropriate mineral mixtures (AMMs) on their return to heat. Anoestrus and repeat breeder buffaloes were randomly allotted to 2 treatments i.e. T1 (Ionic mineral mixture) and T2 (T1 + 25% extra zinc in chelate form). Average DMI, DCPI and TDNI in anoestrus and repeat breeder buffaloes calculated as per information collected from farmers were comparable among treatments. Average intake of calcium, phosphorus and copper was higher than the requirements in anoestrus and repeat breeder buffaloes. However, Zn intake was lower by about 65% of the requirement in all treatments. Blood glucose ranged from 57.4 to 62.4 mg/dl in T1 and T2 groups of anoestrus and repeat breeder buffaloes. On supplementing the T2 mineral mixture, the level of total protein, serum albumin, globulin, triglycerides and cholesterol increased (P<0.01), whereas, level of BUN and creatinine decreased significantly in both groups of anestrous and repeat breeder buffaloes than in buffaloes supplemented with T1. Activities of serum alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferases and aspartate aminotransferases increased significantly (P<0.01) on T2 supplementation. Number of days taken for return to heat of anoestrous and repeat breeder buffaloes as well as cost of feeding reduced upon supplementation with T2 from T1 mineral mixture.