The effect of monensin on milk production, milk composition and body condition score of buffaloes cows in early lactation was evaluated. Twenty four Murrah buffalo cows were submitted to two treatments T1 (0 mg of monensin/buffalo cow/day) T2 (300 mg of monensin/buffalo cow/day) evaluated during the 150 first days of lactation. The total ration was composed by sorghum silage, elephant grass, and concentrate. The effect of monensin on milk production, milk composition and body condition score of buffaloes cows in early lactation was evaluated. Weekly, data on milk production recorde, and milk samples were collected, for determination of protein, fat and total solids analysis were measured. The buffaloes cows were also evaluated for live weight and the body condition score. Mozzarela production, milk production (total and daily mean), milk production corrected for 270 days of lactation, protein and fat productions and protein: fat ratio were recorded. A completely randomized experimental design was used. There was no differences between treatments for daily milk and for total milk production corrected for 270 days, milk production at the peak of lactation, mozzarela production, protein and total solids percentage, protein:fat ratio, live weight and body condition score. Monensin influenced positively, with differences between treatments for daily protein (T1 = 147.10 g, T2 = 162.07 g) and fat production, (T1 = 226.90 g, T2 = 259.62 g) and fat percentage (T1 = 5.41%, T2 = 5.84%).
ionophor; fat; lactation; protein; water buffalo
