Comparison of extensive or semi-intensive feeding for anatolian water buffalo

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine the effects of extensive or semi-intensive feeding on dry matter intake and milk composition in Anatolian water buffalo. Buffaloes were taken into trial in the 1st-2nd months of their lactation. The buffaloes were divided into 2 groups, an extensive group (A) and a semi-intensive group (B) each group consisting of 12 buffaloes. Compared to the A group, the B group consumed more total dry matter (P < 0.05; 13.17 vs. 11.12 kg day(-1)) and produced more milk day(-1) (P < 0.05; 7.34 vs 4.42 kg day(-1)). In the milk samples which were taken from the group A had higher (P < 0.05) milk fat percentage than group B (milk fat = 8.03 and 5.80 %, respectively). The somatic cell count (SCC) (44.7 and 60.3 x log10 mL(-1)), SNF (10.29 and 10.18 %) and protein percentages of milk (4.95 and 4.96 %) were similar for both groups.