Effect of levels of dietary protein on growth, nutrient utilisation and carcass characteristics of male buffalo calves

Sengar, S.S.; Joshi, D.C.; Lakshmanan, V.

Effect of levels of dietary protein on growth, nutrient utilisation and carcass characteristics of male buffalo calves

1986

Sengar, S.S. | Joshi, D.C. | Lakshmanan, V. (Division of Animal Nutrition Indian Veterinary Research Inst.)

Seventeen male buffalo calves of similar age and body weight were distributed in three groups. There were five animals in group 1 and six each in groups 2 and 3. The calves were supplied three concentrate mixtures, prepared from locally available ration ingredients, along with wheat bhoosa ad libitum and a small quantity of green fodder so as to provide 100, 80 and 60 percent DCP and 106 percent DE (NRC, 1976) in groups 1, 2 and 3 respectively. The actual levels of DCP consumed by the animals, however, worked out to 107.5 +- 0.50, 87.00+-1.63 and 66.00+-2.00 percent of the level recommended by the NRC (1976) in groups 1,2 and 3 respectively. Experimental feeding of animals lasted for a period of about four months and towards the end, when animals had attained an average age of about 24 months, a metabolism trial was conducted. There was no significant difference in the dry matter intake and digestibility of various organic nutrients except crude protein and crude fibre (P0.05). Animals in all the groups showed a high positive retention of nitrogen. The average growth rate recorded in groups 1,2 and 3 was 568.81+-18.37, 489.30+-65.01 and 507.65+-5.79 g per day respectively. Daily growth rate and carcass characteristics did not differ significantly between different groups.

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