EFFECT OF ANISE SEEDS (PIMPINELLA ANISUM L) AND ACTIVE DRY YEAST (SACCHAROMYCES CEREVISIAE) SUPPLEMENTS AS FEED ADDITIVES ON THE PRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF LACTATING EGYPTIAN BUFFALOES

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of supplementing rations with Anise seeds (AS) and Active dry Yeast (Y) in Egyptian buffaloes on milk yield, milk composition and some blood parameters. Twelve multiparous pregnant buffaloes in third and fourth lactation, weighing in average 465±2.5 kg and at 6 weeks before parturition were divided randomly into four equal groups. Control group (T1) fed concentrate feed mixture, Egyptian clover and wheat straw without supplements (basal diet). The 2nd group (T2) was given the basal diet plus 50 gram\head\day of Anise seeds. The 3rd group (T3) was given the basal diet plus 20 gram\head\day of active dry yeast (Saccharomyces Cerevisiae). The 4th group (T4) was given the basal diet plus 10 gram of active dry yeast and 25 g of Anise seeds \head \day. Buffaloes were fed individually and the experimental period started form 6 weeks before calving and extended for 15 weeks after calving periods. The results indicated that the dry matter intake (DMI) was significantly (P<0.05) increased in T2 and T4 than control treatments. Also, Anise seeds and Yeast supplements significantly (P<0.05 or P<0.01) increased nutrient digestibility (DM, OM, CP, EE). Total milk yield, daily milk yield and fat, lactose, total solid percentage significantly (P<0.05 or P<0.01) increased in treated buffaloes. Also, calculated efficiency of milk\DMI was improved (P<0.05) in treated buffaloes. However, values of blood plasma for total cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations significantly (P<0.01) decreased in treated buffaloes compared to control treatment. The addition of Anise seeds and Yeast increased (P<0.05) the levels of blood plasma T3, T4 hormones in lactating buffaloes.