Effect of diammonium phosphate on the performance of lactating buffaloes

A study was conducted to assess the performance of lactating Murrah buffaloes fed different levels of diammonium phosphate. Lactating Murrah buffaloes (18; 551.5±14.6 kg BW) of nearly same milk yield, parity and stage of lactation divided into three equal groups were fed 0, 50 and 100% diammonium phosphate in the mineral mixture of concentrates. Diammonium phosphate did not affect the nutrient intake, body weight changes, digestibility of nutrients except CF, serum Ca, P and alkaline phosphatase, balances of N, Ca, P and daily milk yield and its composition. The digestibility of CF was improved (P<0.05) in diammonium phosphate groups as compared to the control diet. It was concluded that diammonium phosphate can be used safely and economically in place of dicalcium phosphate up to 100% level in the ration without any adverse effect on nutrient utilization and performance of lactating Murrah buffaloes.