Protein Sparing Effect of Dietary Rumen Protected Lysine Plus Methionine in Growing Murrah Buffaloes ( Bubalus bubalis )

Protein sparing effect of dietary supplemented amino acids was evaluated in Murrah buffalo calves (n = 18; 7–14 months of age and 143.66 kg average body weight) assigned into three similar groups. Animals in the first group (T1) were fed on a diet having 140 g/kg crude protein (CP), and groups second (T2) and third (T3) were fed with 120 g/kg CP. Calves of group T3 were further supplemented with 2 g rumen protected- methionine and 17 g lysine for 90 days. CP intake was higher (P < 0.01) in group T1 than other two groups. Apparent digestibilities of nutrients were similar among the three groups. Nitrogen balance was higher (P < 0.05) by 21.33 and 23.35 % in groups T3 and T1, respectively, than group T2. Average daily gain (ADG) and feed efficiency was higher (P < 0.05) in group T3 than group T2. Blood concentration of urea nitrogen and non-esterified fatty acids were lower (P < 0.05) in groups T2 and T3 than that of T1, with an elevated plasma level of lysine and methionine in group T3. Thus, a reduction in dietary CP from 140 to 120 g/kg resulted in lower (P < 0.05) ADG and N retention, which were improved on dietary fortification with rumen protected lysine plus methionine, hence proving their protein sparing effect in growing Murrah buffaloes.