Developing a Feeding Module with a Blend of Garlic Oil and Cinnamon Bark for Enhancing Antioxidant Status and Immunity of Murrah Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) with an Improvement in Feed Efficiency and Reduced Methane Emissions

TL;DR

This study shows that adding garlic oil and cinnamon bark to the diet of Murrah buffalo calves improves their growth, immunity, and reduces methane emissions.

Contribution

A novel feeding module combining garlic oil and cinnamon bark is shown to enhance buffalo health and reduce methane emissions.

Findings

Buffalo calves fed the garlic oil and cinnamon bark blend showed a 20% improvement in growth rate and feed efficiency.

The blend reduced methane emissions by 33.88% and lipid peroxidation by 26%.

Antioxidant enzymes and immunity were significantly enhanced in the treated group.

Abstract

The experiment was designed to evaluate the consequence of a blend of garlic oil and cinnamon bark powder administration on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, immunity, antioxidant status and methane emission in Murrah buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Sixteen buffalo calves were divided into two groups in a completely randomised design. The first group (CONT) was fed a basal diet of wheat straw, green oats and concentrate mixture, whereas the second group (GOCB) received feeds as per the CONT along with a blend of garlic oil and cinnamon bark powder (0.5 mL + 1.0 g/head/day) by mixing it with the concentrate mixture for a period of 170 days. The growth rate and feed efficiency in GOCB group buffalo calves were improved (20%) with better (p < 0.05) digestibility of organic matter and crude proteins. Buffaloes of the GOCB group revealed enhanced (p < 0.05) immunity and antioxidant enzymes with reduced (p < 0.05) lipid peroxidation (26% less MDA production). The methane concentration in the eructed gas of the GOCB buffaloes was reduced (33.88%) in comparison with the CONT (p < 0.01). Thus, feed formulated with a blend of garlic oil-cinnamon bark powder demonstrates improvements in the health and production performances of buffalo calves.

Figures