Effect of complete feed with dried poultry waste on the performance of Crossbred Calves

The trial was conducted for a period of eleven weeks on eighteen crossbred calves randomly divided into three equal groups I, II and III on the basis of breed, sex and age and allotted to three feed treatments viz., conventional ration consisting of measured quantity of concentrate mixture and ad-lib chopped sorghum straw fed separately (R-1, control), complete feed (mash) containing 10% DPW (R-2) or 15% DPW (R-3) fed ad-lib as sole source of feed. The growth performance, nutrient utilization and economics of feeding were studied. The differences in mean growth rate in calves from all treatment groups were statistically non-significant. The differences in mean feed intake in calves from all treatment groups were statistically non-significant. The digestibility of all the nutrients, except CP was higher for conventional ration when compared with other two complete feeds. The digestibility for all the nutrients except CP was higher on R-2 in comparison with R-3. The TDN and DCP content of R-1 ration was higher than R-2 and R-3 feeds however, DCP content of R-3 ration was higher than R-2. The average daily TDN and DCP intake was significantly higher in control group as compared treatment groups II and III. The efficiency of feed utilization in terms of DM and TDN required per kg gain was comparable among various groups however; DCP required per kg gain was significantly higher in group I and II than group III. Feeding cost per kg gain in live weight was considerably lower in calves fed with complete feed containing 10% DPW (R-2) and complete feed containing 15% DPW (R3). It is concluded that the complete feed containing 10% DPW (R-2) can be successfully and economically used for feeding of growing calves without affecting their growth performance and nutrient utilization.