Effect of varying levels of concentrate on growth performance and feed economics in Nili-Ravi buffalo heifer calves

Authors : Zeeshan Muhammad IQBAL, Muhammad ABDULLAH, Khalid JAVED, Makhdoom Abdul JABBAR, Nisar AHMED, Yasir Allah DITTA, Hamid MUSTAFA, Faisal SHAHZAD

Pages : 775-780

View : 15 | Download : 5

Publication Date : 0000-00-00

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :  An experiment was conducted to optimize the effect of concentrate levels on growth performance in Nili-Ravi buffalo heifers. These animals insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(n = 30);, aged 4-6 months, were divided into three treatment groups insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(A, B, C); and were offered concentrate at the rate of 0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5% of body weight for an 8-month period, respectively. The statistical data showed a significant insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(P < 0.01); effect on dry matter intake among all treatment groups. However, dietary treatments showed a nonsignificant effect on body weight gain. Treatment A showed a better insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(P < 0.01); feed conversion ratio insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(10.01 - 0.55); compared to treatment B insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(11.75 - 0.79); and C insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(12.85 - 0.74);. The average body condition score, body measurements, and blood profiles were not affected by varying levels of concentrate. However, total serum protein was found lower insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(P < 0.01); in treatment A compared with the other two treatment groups. The cost for production per kg gain was 80.8% higher in treatment C and 46.6% higher in treatment B compared to treatment A. It can be concluded that buffalo heifers can be reared cost-effectively on a minimum concentrate level insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(0.5% of body weight); along with ad libitum green fodder.
Keywords : Body measurements, buffalo heifer, concentrate, growth performance