Efficacy of Dietary Supplementing Zeolite or Sodium Bicarbonate for Lactating Buffalos on Nutrient Digestibility, Milk Production and some Blood Minerals status

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Zeolite or Sodium bicarbonate in lactating buffalo's diet during pre and post-partum period on milk yield and composition, blood Ca, P, and Mg profiles. Eighteen multiparous pregnant buffaloes in dry period were divided into three equal treatments; the control received a basal diet without supplementation and the 2nd dietary treated group (Z) supplemented with 200g/head/day of Zeolite while, the 3rd group (SB) addition of 200g/h/day Sodium bicarbonate. The experimental lasted two months before the expected delivery date and three months post-partum. The results indicated that Z and SB treated groups improved (P<0.05) of total DM intake, nutritive values and digestibility of OM, CF, CP as compared to control Likewise, SB group had the highest DM and EE digestibility (P<0.05) compared to Z or control group. Actual milk and 4% FCM yields, milk fat percentage increased (P<0.05) in supplemented groups than control group especially during the end of the experimental period. However, there was no effect supplementation on milk Ca, P, and Mg concentration and other milk constituents. Conversely, blood Ca concentration and Ca: P ratio were significantly higher (P<0.05) in treated groups after calving at the last month of treatment than control. While, there was no treatment effect on plasma P and Mg levels between groups. Dietary supplementations of Z or SB did not produce any clinically disorders in the animal's metabolism or abnormal change in blood minerals homeostasis, but higher cost and low economic milk efficiency.