Effect of Mineral and Vitamin Supplementation on Milk Production and Reproductive Performance and its Correlation with Seasonality in Buffaloes

The study evaluated effect of oral mineral and vitamin supplementation on productive and reproductive performance of lactating buffaloes during different seasons. The buffaloes were divided into two uniform groups of 10 each, on the basis of Farmers’ practice (T₁) and Recommended practice (T₂) groups. After calving, all T₂ group buffaloes were dewormed with Fenbendazole and supplemented with chelated calcium and phosphorous (100 gm/day/buffalo) and chelated mineral mixture (50 gm/day/buffalo) for four months (120 days). The overall increase in milk production in T₂ group was 35.68, 30.72 and 41.66 percent in rainy, winter and summer seasons respectively, as compared to T₁ group. The conception rate was higher in winter season and lesser during rainy and summer seasons in both groups, while overall conception rate was higher in T₂ group, as compared to T₁ group. The study demonstrates beneficial effect of oral supplementation of minerals and vitamins on production and reproduction potential in lactating buffaloes.