Comparative Efficiency of Nutrient Utilization in Buffalo, Hariana and Cross-Bred Calves Fed Cereal Free Ration

Nutrient utilization and growth rate Mas studied on four animals each of buffalo (B), Hariana (H) and cross-bred (CB) cattle calves (1 to 1.5 yr., 120 to 153 kg B.wt.). Calves in three groups were fed concentrate mixture consisting mustard cake 32, wheat bran 66, mineral mixture 1 and common salt 1 part and wheat straw ad lib to meet the nutrient requirement. Live weights were recorded at fortnightly interval during 90 days experimentation. Digestion cum metabolism trial of seven days duration was conducted after 21 days of feeding in each group. Average dry matter intake (kg/100kg B.wt.) of the calves of B (2.47), H (2.58) and CB (2.88) was not significantly different. Digestibility of DM, OM, CP and NFE were significantly (P<0.05) higher in Hariana than crossbred calves but comparable with buffalo calves. Nitrogen intake and balance was significantly (P<0.01) higher in buffalo than the other calves. No significant differences were observed with respect to TDN, ME, Ca and P balances among three groups.