Effect of Different Feed Combinations on the Growth Performance of Cross-Bred Heifer Calves

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the growth performance and feed intake of crossbred (Holstein Friesian×Sahiwal) kg at 4 months of age. The calves were assigned into treatments having, T 1 = Control (Farm ration), T 2 = 50% Barley+30% MC+0% AC+8% WB 2% MM, T3 = 50% Maize+30% MC+10% AC+8% WB 2% MM, T 4 = 50% Sorghum+30% MC+10% AC+8% WB 2% MM, using randomized complete block design into four blocks of six animals. The total DM and DMI (% of body weight) intake for T 3 and T 2 diets were higher (p<0.05) than those fed T 1 and T4 diets. The overall Average Daily Gain (ADG) was higher (0.55 kg dayG 1 ) in T 3 than of T 2 and T 4 , whereas ADG found to be lowest in T 1 (0.40 kg dayG 1 ). The body measurements (Heart girth, length and height) were also higher in T 3 compared to those fed T 1 , T 2 and T 4 diets (p<0.05). It is calculated that 50% Maize+30% MC+10% AC+8% WB 2% MM, enhanced growth parameters, feed utilization and reproductive performance of cross-bred heifer calves in terms of age at puberty was achieved higher.

Effects of protein concentrate supplementation-based diet on growth and nutritional status in dairy heifers

“…This higher body growth in heifer could be narrated due to addition of protein rich ingredients in the concentrate mixer which supported by Strzetelski et al (2007) who mentioned that increasing dietary energy and protein in the ration of heifer improve WH. Again, highest HG recorded in crossbred heifer by Singh et al (2015) through feeding concentrate based diet. Time greatly influences on BWG, BLG and HGG of the heifers but the interaction effect of time and diet showed non-significant response on WHG and HGG (Table 3).…”