Biological, Natural and Chemical Additives in Lactating Ruminant Diets

Buffalo is the major source for milk in Egypt as it contributes more than 50% of the annual milk production in Egypt. Attempts have been applied to increase the productivity of lactating buffaloes with a mixed success. One of the most successful attempts accomplished in the last decade was using natural feed additives, which help to improve animal productivity and increase milk production, without public concerns about their residues in the animal products. Development of antibiotics resistant bacteria cannot be ignored; therefore, it is essential to find more desirable natural alternatives from natural and safe sources. The use of feed additives such as exogenous enzymes, yeast, phytogenic extracts, and organic acids have been evaluated.