Effect of Pre-partum Strategic Supplementations on the Performance of Buffaloes and Their Calves: A Review

Feeding during last trimester of gestation is very critical. One of the greatest challenges during the transition period is meeting the nutrient demands of the buffalo. In late gestation, the demands of the pregnant uterus are high, but the demands associated with early lactation are much greater. Requirements for pregnancy represent nutrients necessary to support both growth and maintenance of foetus, placenta, uterus and mammary gland. During this transition phase, the dry matter intake of buffaloes decreased, making it a challenging task to fulfil the animal’s nutritional needs. The pre-partum feeding management of buffaloes plays a vital role in the subsequent milk production and reproduction. The strategic supplementation of nutrients as per the physical and physiological needs of the animal may be beneficial. Diet should be formulated with proper supplementation of nutrients to achieve improved postpartum production and reproduction performance. Strategic supplementation of critical nutrients like energy, protein and minerals can help buffaloes to sustain their production and reproduction performance. So, this paper reviews the effect of pre-partum strategic supplementation on the performance of buffaloes and their calves.