Metabolizable Protein Requirements of Sahiwal Calves Fed on Berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum) Fodder Based Rations

摘要

A study was conducted to investigate the effect of different levels of metabolizable protein (MP) in total mixed rations (TMRs) on growth parameters and nutrient utilization in Sahiwal calves. Fifteen male Sahiwal calves were distributed randomly into 3 groups of 5 animals each based on their body Weight and age (12-18months). Animals were fed on isocaloric rations with different levels of MP viz., 8.69% (T-1), 7.94% (T-2) and 9.28% (T-3) for 3 months. A metabolic trial was conducted to observe the effect of graded levels of MP on their nutrient utilization. OM intake (g/100 kg BW/day) in T-1 and T-2 differed significantly from T-3 (P < 0.05). The DM, OM, NDF and ADF digestibility were similar in all three groups while that of CP was lower in T-2 than T-3 (P<0.0 1). All the groups were in positive N balance and TDN % in the rations was similar in all the groups. Average daily gain and feed conversion ratio were found to be similar in all the three groups. The optimal dietary MP level was found to be 7.94% to support average gain of about 800 g/d