Performance of crossbred cattle (Bos taurus x Bos indicus) and buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) fed on high and low roughage based diets

摘要

The aim of study is to study the effect of three different dietary protein levels on the performance and nutrients balance of crossbred cattle and buffaloes. Twelve adult crossbred cattle (Bos Taurus x Boss indices) (n=6) and buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)(n=6) were divided into 3 equal groups (Tr T2 and T3; n = 6), each consisting two crossbred cattle, and two buffalo were fed experimental diets in 3x3 switchover design for one month, respectively in all three trials to study the effect of concentrate:wheat straw: green maize based total mixed ration on animal health and nutrients balance. The concentrate and roughage (wheat straw: green maize) ratio in the diet of groups Tp T2 and T3 was 60:20:20, 40:30:30 and 20:40:40, respectively. The animals hadaccess to ad libitum TMR diets. A three metabolism trial of 6 d duration was conducted at 30 d of the study. Blood collection and its analysis for various hematological and biochemical parameters was done both during the pre- and post-experimental periods. There was no significant influence of the dietary treatments on hemoglobin, packed cell volume, total protein, blood urea nitrogen, serum calcium and inorganic phosphorus between the treatments and species which indicated that body health status of animals was not significantly influenced by restricted concentrate feeding. The digestibility of DM, CP and CF was comparable among crossbred cattle and buffalo but there was significant difference among treatments. The DM and CP digestibility increased significantly (P<0.05) with the inclusion of higher proportion of concentrate in diet but CF digestibility was significantly decreased. The crossbred cattle and buffaloes on all 3 diets were in positive nitrogen (N) balance, however the N retention was higher (p<0.05) in T than in T3 fed groups. The intake and retention of calcium and phosphorus were significantly higher in high concentrate diet than low concentrate diet. Considering the similar performance and nutrient profile, it could be concluded thatcrossbred cattle and buffaloes can be satisfactorily reared on low concentrate diet in ad libitum TMR feeding.