Growth Performance of Hariana Heifers as Affected by Varying Dietary Neutral Detergent Fibre Levels

摘要

Present study was conducted to investigate the effect of different concentrations of dietary neutral detergent fiber (NDF) on growth performance in indigenous Hariana heifers. Twenty Hariana heifers of 1 to 2 years of age were randomly allocated into4 groups (T,, T2, T3 and T4) having 5 animals in each group, on body weight basis. Dietary NDF concentrations were 45.5, 49.8, 54.7, and 59.0% in groups T,, T2, T3 and T4wifh a concentrate: roughages ratio of50:50. Temperature humidity index varied from77.0 to 80.8. Respiration rate, pulse rate and rectal temperature were similar in all the experimental animals and they were found in normal physiological ranges. Average body weight and body condition score were not affected by different levels of dietary NDF. However, average daily gain was lower in 59.0% NDF group. Feed conversion ratio, overall DM intake, nutrient digestibility and digestible nutrient intake were not affected by different levels of dietary NDF. Dry matter intake (kg/100 kg BW) and total digestible nutrient intake (g/kg W0 75) increased in group given lower percentage of NDF diets as compared to higher NDF rations. In conclusion, the dietary NDF level shoud may be below 50% in Hariana heifers for better daily gain in summers.