Effect of mathionone and lysine supplementation on dry matter intake, nutrition utilization and growth in buffalo calves

Ten Murrah Buffalo calves above 6 month of age were divided into two groups of 5 each. All the animals were fed on a concentrate mixture (CP=22.19%), green oats (2 kg) and wheat straw ad lib. The animals under group II (G-II) received supplemental methionine (10 g/d/head) and lysine (20 g/d/head) while other group (G-I) not receiving methionine and lysine served as control. The feeding trial continued for 100 days and a metabolism trial of 7 days collection period was conducted at mid-period of the trial. During the experimental period the growth rate was significantly (p<0.05) higher in G-II (0.523 kg/d), than in G-I (0.37 kg/d). Amino acids supplementation also improved (p<0.05) digestibility of NDF while that of DM, OM, CP, CF, ADF were similar to the corresponding control values. The daily DM intake per 100 kg body weight (2.38 in G-II vs 2.13 in G-I) was higher (P<0.01) in G-II. The calves of G-II also consumed (p<0.01) more protein than G-I. Feed gain and TDN: gain ratio did not differ statistically. It was concluded that methionine and lysine supplementation had a significant and positive effect on dry matter intake and body weight gain.