How increase the fat of the buffalo milk?

Question

Sathiyavarsha K · Answer

Increasing the fat content in buffalo milk involves nutrition, management, and health care. Buffalo milk naturally has higher fat than cow milk, but you can still enhance it with the right approach. Here’s a detailed guide:

1. Improve Nutrition

A. High-quality Green Fodder

Give at least 25–30 kg/day per buffalo.

Use protein-rich fodder: Lucerne (Alfalfa), Napier grass, Maize fodder, Berseem, Clover.

Green fodder increases energy intake, which supports higher milk fat.

B. Concentrate Feed / Grain

1 liter of milk requires 400–500 g concentrate feed.

Suggested mixture:

Choker/bran – 40%

Maize / Jowar / Barley – 30%

Oilseed cakes (Groundnut, Mustard) – 20%

Mineral mixture / jaggery – 10%

C. Energy-rich Feed

Buffalo fat content improves with more digestible energy.

Add maize, barley, or jaggery to feed in small quantities.

2. Provide Mineral Supplements

Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium are essential for milk fat synthesis.

Mineral mixture and salt lick should always be available.

Vitamin supplements (A, D, E) also improve milk quality.

3. Feeding Practices

Feed multiple small meals rather than one big meal.

Maintain consistent feeding time.

Avoid sudden changes in feed, which may lower milk fat.

4. Management

Clean and comfortable housing reduces stress; stressed buffaloes produce milk with lower fat.

Ensure enough water (50–80 liters/day), as dehydration reduces milk fat.

Avoid excessive milking; buffaloes produce richer milk when milked properly but not over-milked.

5. Special Tips / Natural Enhancers
Method	How it helps
Add Oilseed cakes (mustard, groundnut)	High energy → more fat in milk
Maize grains or jaggery	Improves digestible energy, enhances milk fat
Green fodder rich in carbohydrates	Helps rumen microbes produce acetate → precursor for milk fat
Avoid sudden cold water after milking	Prevents milk fat reduction
6. Health Care

Keep buffaloes free from mastitis and other diseases. Infected udders reduce fat.

Regular deworming and vaccination maintain health and milk quality.

Summary:

Increase energy intake (grains, oilseed cakes, jaggery).

High-quality green fodder + balanced concentrates.

Minerals & vitamins.

Proper housing, water, and milking management.