Effect of Dietary Monensin Supplementation on Faecal Nitrogen Excretion and Blood Metabolites in Non Pregnant Non Lactating Murrah Buffaloes

The present study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of monensin supplementation in reducing faecal nitrogen excretion in non pregnant non lactating murrah buffaloes and its effect on blood metabolites. The nitrogen released by the livestock in faecal matter contributes to the N₂O content of environment, which is a potent green house gas. Fourteen dry Murrah buffaloes were randomly divided into two groups of seven animals each on the basis of body weight. Both groups were fed as per ICAR (2013) feeding standard without and with monensin supplementation (350 mg/head/day) in control and treatment group, respectively for sixty days. Nitrogen intake, urinary and total nitrogen out go and nitrogen balance (g/d) were not (P>0.05) affected by monensin supplementation. However, faecal nitrogen excretion (g/d) decreased (P <0.05) and blood plasma glucose (mg/dl) concentration increased (P<0.05) in treatment group as compared to control. The concentration of blood non-estrified fatty acid, blood urea nitrogen, total protein and albumin were not affected (P>0.05) by monensin supplementation. In conclusion, dietary monensin supplementation to non pregnant non-lactating Murrah Buffaloes increased blood glucose concentration and reduced faecal nitrogen excretion which will reduce the contribution of buffaloes to nitrous oxide emissions and its negative impact on environment.