Lactation performance and milk fatty acid profile of dairy buffaloes fed different dietary Mesquite fruit (Prosopis juliflora).

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of different levels Mesquite fruit (MF) (Prosopis juliflora) on lactation performance and milk fatty acid (FA) profile of dairy buffaloes. Eight buffalos (520 ± 35 kg body weight; 85 ± 30 days in milk) were fed iso-energetic and iso-nitrogenous diets containing 0, 120, 180 or 240 g/kg dry matter (DM), MF in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin squares design. Milk production, composition, quality criteria of milk and the milk FA profile were measured. Results showed that DM intake, milk yield or its components, 4% fat corrected milk were unchanged (P > 0.05) by MF inclusion. Quality criteria of raw milk (density, pH, color and appearance and smell) were unchanged by feeding experimental diets (P > 0.05). Buffaloes fed MF produced milk with higher (P < 0.01) total unsaturated fatty acids and lower (P < 0.01) total saturated fatty acid concentration. In conclusion, the inclusion of MF (up to 240 g/kg DM) in the diets of dairy buffaloes demonstrated no adverse effects on production performance. However, MF inclusion may influence milk fatty acids (FA) concentrations. Therefore, MF can be considered a cost-effective and safe alternative feed ingredient for partially replacing barley and wheat bran in concentrate mixtures. It can be included at levels of up to 24% in the diets of lactating buffaloes, particularly in regions prone to feed scarcity.