Growth, nutrient intake and digestibility of nutrients of growing buffalo calves fed SCT as major source of green fodder

S. Rathore, Neelima Gupta* & A.K. Garg
Department ofAnimal Science, M.J.P. Rohikhand University, Bareilly-243 006 (U.P.), India

Received 16th June, 2008 ; Revised 21st August, 2008

Abstract : Nine healthy buffalo calves about 6-12 month of age (mean body weight 65.42 ± 7.93kg.) were divided into three groups of three animals each following randomized block design (RBD) to study the growth, nutrient intake and digestibility of nutrients of growing buffalo calves fed SCT as major source of green fodder. They were offered either control ration as chopped green mixed kutti (GMK) with CCM or CMS and CFS fed separately by conventional feeding system. The body weights were calculated on the basis of body measurements. The daily TDMI for entire experiment was not comparable (P>0.05) among the three groups, being 2629, 2578 and 2220 g/d. The total mean intake of DM per100kg and per kgW 0.75 basis was 2.96, 2.66 & 2.55; and 90.99, 82.27 & 77.75 g in groups I, II and Ill, respectively. Though in absolute terms, the DMI was lower at 9.89 and 14.56 percent in group II & 111 as compared to group 1, however, there was no significant (P>00.5) difference in the DMI among the three groups. The mean DMI and OMI during the digestibility trial were similar (P>0.05) in the three groups being 90.99, 82.27 and 77.75 g/kgW0.75 and 79.77, 70.64 and 66.90 g/kgW0.75 in groups I, II and Ill. respectively. The intake (g/d) of different other nutrients was also similar (P>0.05) among the three groups being 109, 106 and 129 for CP; 39.4, 37.8 and 30.3 for EE: 2157, 2076 and 1749 for TCHO: 1770, 1704 and 1445 for NDF; 1396, 1119 and 985 for ADF; 612, 590 and 464 for HC and 926, 891 and 754 for CL in groups I,II and III, respectively. Thus, the ADG in the live weight of the buffalo calves was 235, 296 and 329 g/d in their respective groups and there was no significant (P<0.05) difference among the three groups. It may be deduced that the supplementation of GMK with CMS and EFS provided sufficient nutrients for maintenance and for moderate growth rate.