Effect of Dietary Levels of Butyric Acid on Ruminal Volatile Fatty Acids Concentration in Buffalo Calves

Eighteen buffalo calves were allotted to 3 groups of 6 each. Group 1 was offered whole milk, skim milk, calf starter and green fodder. Croups 2 and 3 were fed similarly as in group 1 along with butyric acid @ 24 and 12 ml/calf/day, respectively. Ruminal TVFA concentration was significantly (P<0.05) higher in group 2 followed by group 3 and least in group 1 which increased significantly (P<0.05) in all the 3 groups at monthly intervals uplo 120 days. The proportion of acetate (C₂) decreased (P<0.05) with advance in age in all the 3 groups; however the proportion of propionate (C₃) remained constant in group 1, increased (P<0.05) from 90 days onwards in group 2 and from 60 days onwards in group 3. The proportion of butyrate (C₄) was constant in group 2 but increased significantly with age in groups 1 and 3. Age caused significantly higher values of propionate and butyrate and lower acetate in groups 2 and 3 than in group 1.