Effect of Partial Replacement of Concentrate Mixture with Groundnut Haulms on Nutrient Utilization and Growth Performance of Gir Heifers

摘要

A feeding experiment was conducted on twelve growing Gir heifers (three groups each consisting of four female animals) to evaluate the effect of replacement of concentrate mixture with groundnut haulms at level of 0% (T_1), 10% (T_2) and 20% (T_3) intheir rations on nutrient utilization and growth performance. Average daily live weight gain (g) was similar in T_1 (479.1 Og), T_2 (484.60g) and T_3 (503.19g). Biometrical differences were also non significant. Dry matter and nutrient intake also differed non-significantly. The digestibility of DM, OM, CP, CF, EE and NFE were not affected by treatments. The daily feed cost (Rs/d) significantly (PO.05) reduced in T_2 (23.82) and T_3 (22.80). The results indicated that replacement of concentrate mixturewith groundnut haulms in the rations of Gir heifers did not cause any adverse effect on nutrient utilization and growth performance.