BUFFALO BEEF PRODUCTION

The growing rate of 240 male buffaloes fed ad libitum a diet characterized by 0.9 MFU/Kg dry matter (DM), 14% CP and 38:62 forage:concentrate ratio (Diet A) was evaluated starting from a mean age of 148 (Group 1), 218 (Group 2), 302 (Group 3), 320 (Group 4), 374 (Group 5) and 596 (Group 6) days. Data were compared at the weight of 400 kg and at the age of 550 days, values that were reached by all the subjects. The earlier administration of Diet A increased daily weight gain and reduced DM intake/die and feed conversion index compared to late administration. This trial further confirms the importance of satisfying nutritional requirements during the first months of life in buffalo species, due to the fact that these animals are not able to show a compensative weight gain like bovines.