Nutrient Utilization and Growth Response in Crossbred Calves Fed Antibiotic and Probiotic Supplemented Diets

Eighteen crossbred (Sahiwal x Jersey) female calves were divided in three equal groups. Groups T1, T2 and T3 were fed on concentrate mixture of 22.5 percent CP and green oats, however, ration of groups T2 and T3 were supplemented with antibiotic (Kanamycin) and probiotic (Biovet YC) at the rate of 20 ppm/head/day and 5 g/head/day, respectively. The average daily body weight gain in groups T1, T2 and T3 were 350.65±21.72,398.55±11.81 and 368.36±18.42 g; and feed conversion efficiency were 9.07±0.25, 8.45±0.16 and 8.91±0.35, respectively over a period of 138 days. The DM and CP digestibility coefficients were higher in groups T2 and T3 than in group T1. The NDF and ADF digestibility were lower in groups T2 than in groups T1 and T3. Thus, the feed additives Kanamycin and Biovet YC stimulate weight gain and improve feed conversion efficiency in crossbred calves.