Effect of feed restriction on nutrient utilization, growth and metabolic profile in crossbred calves

Abstract

Present study elucidated the effect of feed restriction on growth, nutrient utilizationand metabolic profile in crossbred calves. Eighteen crossbred male calves (Bos Taurus x Bos indicus) of about 4–6 months age and 85.7±5.6 kg body weight were randomly divided into 3 groups (Control, T–15 and T-30) of 6 each in completely randomised design. The calves in control group were fed ad libitum as per predicted requirement; while in group T-15 and T-30 calves were fed 15 and 30% restricted diets of predicted requirements. Daily intake of DM and OM was significantly (P<0.05) higher in control group relative to T-30, however, T-15 had an intermediate position. Digestibility coefficient of DM and OM was significantly (P<0.01) higher in T-30 group as compared to control and T-15 groups. Efficiency of N-utilization was better (P<0.01) in T-30 and T-15 groups than control. BW gain (kg) and average daily gain (ADG; g) were significantly (P<0.01) higher in control and T-15 groups as compared to T-30. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) of calves was better (P<0.01) in T-15 as compared to T-30. Haematological parameters and serum enzymes did not differ significantly (P>0.05) among treatment groups. However, serum glucose, total protein, albumin and serum urea were found to be significantly (P<0.01) lower in T-30. Present study concluded that dietary restriction at 15% level was efficient and at par with the control group having no feed restriction.