Effect of sunflower oil supplementation on nutrient utilization and growth performances of crossbred calves

The study was conducted to evaluate efficiency of dietary supplementation of sunflower-oil twice in a week, to reduce rumen protozoal population and its effect on nutrients utilization and growth performance of growing crossbred calves. Growing Jersey male crossbred calves (15) were randomly divided into 3 equal groups (G1, G2 and G3) and fed individually under stall feeding on a mixed ration containing 50% maize fodder and 50% concentrate mixture for 120 days. Sunflower oil was supplemented along with concentrate mixture at 0 (control), 2 and 4% of the daily DM intake for consecutive 2 days in every week to the calves of G1, G2 and G3 group, respectively during the entire experimental period. Daily dry matter intake, apparent nutrient digestibility, nutritive value of experimental ration and plane of nutrition were similar among the sunflower oil supplemented and non supplemented calves. Lowest rumen protozoal number was observed in calves of G3 group followed by G2 and G1 group. Average finishing body weight, daily body weight gain, feed conversion efficiency and blood glucose level were higher in sunflower oil fed calves (G2 and G3) than non-supplemented calves (G1). However, average daily body weight gain and feed conversion efficiency of the calves in G2 and G3 groups were similar. Our results indicated that dietary supplementation of sunflower oil for consecutive 2 days in every week, drastically reduced rumen protozoal population and improved average daily body weight gain, finishing body weight and feed conversion efficiency in growing male crossbred calves.