Effect of Feeding Deoiled Sunflower Cake on Growth and Nutrient Utilization in Crossbred Calves

Fifteen crossbred male calves (10–12 months) were randomly divided into 3 equal groups of 5 each on body weight basis. Control group (T1) was fed on groundnut cake based concentrate mixture, whereas, in the concentrate mixture of groups T2 and T3, protein of groundnut cake was replaced with deoiled sunflower cake @ 33 and 66 per cent, respectively. After experimental feeding of 105 days, a metabolism trial of 7 days duration was conducted, Daily body weight gain (g) in group T1 was highest (533.3) as compared to group T2 (S03.3) and group T3 (506.7), however, variations, among groups was not significant. Dry matter intake (kg/100kg body wt.), digestibility co-efficients of nutrients except EE and DCP and TDN did not differ significantly among the various groups. Lower digestibility of EE was observed in group T3 than that in group T1. All the experimental animals were in positive nitrogen balance and retention of N (as % of intake) remained similar among groups.