Water balance and nitrogen excretion in buffaloes in different physiological conditions

The aim of this study was to evaluate water balance and nitrogen excretion in Mediterranean buffaloes. Sixteen subjects were divided into 4 groups (n=4/group), according to their days in milk (DIM): Group L50 (DIM=50±8); Group L125 (DIM=125±55); Group L225 (DIM=225±26); Group NL (non-lactating). The study comprised a 14-day adaptation to diets and 14-day data collection during which feed intake and milk production were recorded daily. Measurements for individual buffaloes were made for water intake, diet, orts, milk, faeces and urine during the final 3 days. The analyses were performed according to OAOC. Lactating buffaloes had greater (P