Influence of Dietary Supplementation with a Blend of Essential Oils, Tannins and Bioflavonoids on Milk Yield and Nutritional Properties and on Economic Sustainability of Buffalo Breeding.

Abstract

The use of natural nutritional supplements has become increasingly common in livestock nutrition; nevertheless, because of its additional costs, a careful cost/benefit evaluation is essential to justify their practical application. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of a blend of essential oils (EOs) included in the diet of dairy buffaloes on milk yield, chemical composition, milk urea nitrogen (MUN), and fatty acid profile. In addition, a detailed economic analysis was conducted to assess the overall profitability of this dietary strategy. A total of 98 buffaloes were enrolled in the trial and divided into two groups: a control group (C) and a treated group (T). The treated animals received 45 g/head/day of an essential oil blend in addition to a total mixed ration. An increase in milk yield was observed in the treated group at two sampling points, whereas no significant differences emerged in milk chemical composition. In contrast, MUN levels were consistently lower in the treated group throughout the trial. The fatty acid profile remained largely unchanged, except for higher levels of trans vaccenic acid (TVA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in the treated animals. The economic analysis indicated that EO supplementation was financially advantageous for the farm. Overall, these findings suggest that essential oil blends may represent a promising nutritional strategy to improve production efficiency and milk quality in dairy buffalo. Future studies should investigate long-term effects, optimal dosages, and the mechanisms underlying the observed metabolic responses to support wider practical adoption.