Mineral Status in Buffalo Calves Fed on Deoiled Rice Bran Based Ration

The availability of essential minerals and their levels in the blood were compared in buffalo calves fed on deoiled rice bran (DRB) based concentrate mixtures and sorghum silage as basal ration. Twelve female growing buffalo calves (11.5 yrs.) were divided Into four groups of three each and fed four types of concentrate mixture. Control ration was prepared using wheat, mustard cake and deoiled rice bran, while experimental rations were prepared using deoiled rice bran with 2, 3 and 4 percent of urea and 10, 15 and 20 percent of molasses, respectively. The feeding was continued for a period of 84 days and a mineral balance trial was conducted at the end. The daily mean balances of Ca, Zn and Cu were significantly (P<0.05) Sower in experimental groups than in control group but positive enough to sustain normal growth of animals. Balances of Fe, Mn and P were also positive and similar in all the groups. There was no significant difference in the blood levels of these minerals and values were within the normal range. DM intake and body weight gain in different groups were similar.