Effect of betaine supplementation on production performance and serum antioxidant indices of Nili-Ravi buffaloes during summer

This study aimed to determine whether feeding betaine (Bet) to lactating Nili-Ravi buffaloes elevates their production performance during the hot and humid climate. Sixty lactating Nili-Ravi buffaloes were randomly divided into four groups: the control group received a standard concentrates basal diet without Bet, whereas in the treated group the same diet was supplemented with Bet at 0.2%, 0.4%, and 0.6% on dry matter basis for 9 weeks. All animals received ad libitum amount of chopped green maize fodder. Milk production and its fat % were recorded twice daily, whereas for the remaining components samples were collected weekly. Blood samples were collected at the end of the experiment. The results showed that feeding Bet to buffaloes increased (p<0.05) milk yield, production efficiency, and nutrient utilization at all three inclusion levels; however, milk composition remained unaffected. A numerical but non-significant (p>0.05) increase in performance was noticed with higher doses of Bet. Superoxide dismutase in all three treatments and glutathione peroxidase in Bet 0.2% inclusion level were higher (p<0.05) as compared to the control. However, malondialdehyde was not significantly affected. Inclusion of Bet in the concentrate ration of lactating buffalos at 0.2% level on the dry matter basis is recommended as it positively influenced the production and also improved their antioxidant status during summer.