Effect of Feeding Different Levels of Green Maize on the Performance of Heifers

Sixteen crossbred heifers were divided on the basis of body weight and age into four groups of 4 each and randomly allotted to four dietary treatments viz. T1: 0 kg maize green fodder, T2: 5 kg maize green fodder, T3: 10 kg maize green fodder, and T4: 15 kg maize green fodder supplementation with wheat straw (Triticum aestivum) ad lib. and concentrate mixture as per requirement. Daily DMI was significantly higher (P<0.05) in T4 as compared to T2 and T1 groups. The DMI per kg metabolic body size was significantly (P<0.05) higher in T4 and T3 as compared to T1 group. Non-significant differences were observed among groups for daily CP/DCP intake. Daily TDN intake was higher (P<0.05) in T4 as compared to T3, T2, T1 groups. The differences among groups for digestibility of DM, OM, CP, CF and EE were non-significant. However, NFE digestibility was significantly higher (P<0.05) in T4 (65.68%) as compared to T2 (59.01%) and T1 (59.88%) groups. Average body weight gain (g/d) was 641.67, 683.33, 691.67 and 716.67 in groups T, T, T and T, respectively and differed significantly (P<0.05). Animals under group Tfed 15 kg green maize per day, recorded 11.69 per cent higher growth over the group (T1) fed no green maize. The cost of feeding per kg live weight gain was lower in T4 (Rs 24.90) followed by T3 (Rs. 29.07), T2 (Rs. 35.02) and T1 (Rs. 39.53) indicating live weight gain was cheaper by Rs. 14.63 in 15 kg green maize fed group (T4) than in the control group. Hence, growing crossbred heifers can be efficiently raised on feeding green maize in the diet as evident from faster growth rate and better-feed conversion efficiency.