Effect of Dietary Cation-Anion Difference on Milk Composition and Blood Mineral Status of Peripartum Buffaloes

This study aimed to determine the effect of diet formulated to provide prepartum (DCAD= -749.16 mEq/head/day) and postpartum (DCAD = 1473.56 mEq/head/day) by feeding 90 g of an anionic and 120 g cationic salt respectively, on blood mineral concentration, health, postpartum milk production and composition in buffaloes. Twenty multiparous buffaloes were enrolled 21 days before expected calving date and divided into two groups. The treatment group with 10 cows received anionic rations for - 21 day to parturition and cationic ration from parturition to +21 days, while the control group was fed a usual ration. Postpartum incidences of milk fever, dystocia, retention of placenta, mastitis as well as weekly data of milk production, and milk composition were recorded. Plasma samples obtained at days -21, -10, -1, +1, +10 and +21 relative to calving were analyzed for calcium and magnesium. Magnesium concentration was increased with reduced prepartum Dietary Cation-Anion Difference (DCAD) in the diet value being 2.77±0.13 mg/dl and 3.15±0.12 mg/dl for the control and treatment group respectively, one day before calving. Calcium concentration was significantly higher (P