Effect of complete diet containing processed neem seed cake on performance of Murrah buffaloes

Lactating Murrah buffaloes (16) randomly divided into 4 equal groups were offered conventional ration containing chopped sorghum straw, bajra green forage and concentrate mixture in 45: 20: 35 ratio (T₁), where as mash (T₂), expander-extruder processed (T₃) and steam pelleted (T₄) complete diets containing bajra straw, groundnut haulms, concentrate mixture and water washed urea treated neem seed cake in 28.5: 10: 46.5: 15 ratio were offered ad lib for 90 days. The DM intake and digestibility of DM, OM and CP were comparable in all the groups, but digestibility of CF was depressed significantly (P<0.05) and that of EE and NFE was improved significantly (P<0.05) in the diets containing processed NSC as compared to conventional ration (T₁). The DCP values were significantly (P<0.01) higher in complete diets (T₂-T₄), while the TDN content was comparable among all the diets. The diets containing processed NSC did not have any adverse effect on quantity or quality of milk produced or on the feed conversion efficiency as compared to conventional control diet. It was concluded that process neem seed cake could efficiently be utilized for formulating least cost complete diets without any adverse effect on the health or productive performance of lactating dairy animals.