Utilization of Whey Powder in the Rations of Crossbred Calves

Twelve Karan Fries male calves of 3 to 4½ months were randomly distributed to 3 groups of 4 calves each. Control group (T0) was fed conventional concentrate mixture containing 45% maize as major energy source. Concentrate mixture of groups T1 and T2 contained delactosed, deproteinated whey powder replacing maize quantitatively by 15 and 30%,respectively. All the calves were fed berseem fodder ad lib. during an experimental period of 12 weeks. The ADG (g) were 427±68, 497±38 and 565±47, respectively in groups T0, T1 and T2. The TDN contents (%) of the total rations were 64.30, 60.90 and 60.90 and DCP content (%) were 13.24, 10.01 and 13.75, respectively. Groups T1 and T2 retained more N, Ca and P than the control group. The results indicated that de-lactosed, de-proteinated whey powder can replace 30 percent of maize in the concentrate mixture of control group in the ration of growing crossbred calves. The presence of high levels of total ash and chlorides in the whey powder had apparently no adverse effect on growth or blood sodium/potassium profile, though it caused more intake of water and consequently more excretion of urine.