Abstract
Bovine somatotropin (rbST) and oxytocin are used to increase milk production and for milk letdown respectively in dairy
animals. The study was conducted to determine the effects of rbST and oxytocin on various health biomarkers, reproductive
performance and milk composition of buffaloes during spring and hot summer. A total of 100 buffaloes were divided into four
groups, A (control), B (oxytocin), C (rbST) and D (rbST+ oxytocin), with (n=15) animals in each group during spring and
(n=10) during summer. Animals of respective groups received rbST (Boostin-250) 35mg on alternate days and oxytocin 10 IU
before each milking, starting on day 70 postpartum till the end of lactation. Blood sample was collected to determine TOS,
TAC, ALT and AST. Milk sample were analyzed for fat, protein, lactose and SNF contents. Reproductive performance
parameters were assessed by rectal palpation and from farm record. Results revealed that oxytocin decreased the activities of
ALT, AST, TOS and milk yield, while TAC was increased than controls. Buffaloes administered with rbST showed lower
values of ALT, TOS and higher TAC than control. Milk fat, protein and lactose contents decreased due to rbST, oxytocin or
rbST+ oxytocin treatment. Milk yield increased after rbST treatment and decreased with oxytocin during spring.
