Improved Milk Production from Supplementation of Swamp Buffalo with Molasses Nutrient Blocks Containing 10% Urea

Milk production from Asiatic swamp buffalo is a new enterprise in Laos. As yields are limited, provision of high-quality cow-calf molasses nutrient blocks containing 10% urea (UMNB10) may improve productivity. A trial recently established commercial dairy examined dietary supplementation lactating cows with UMNB10, three groups nine mid-lactation randomly selected. Two received ad libitum access to UMBs the remaining group free block supplements. All animals were daily fed fresh Napier grass (30 kg), corn (750 gm), rice bran (1.45 plus accessed Mulatto grass. Daily milk (DMP) and body condition score (BCS) recorded for 2 months UMB. Average DMP two supplemented 1.02 0.96 L, compared 0.78 L control group, suggesting improved productivity 31 24% accessing Partial budget analysis identified strong incentive use blocks, net profit USD 408 295 over 30-day period groups. multi-intervention livestock development strategy that includes combination nutritional health interventions has been proposed scale-out assist smallholder farming efficiency developing countries. The be simple motivator these communities increase large ruminant production, improving rural livelihoods, food security, potentially, reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHGe) ruminant-derived foods.