The effect of feeding level in 18-27 month age period on growth performance, first mating age and live weight of Anatolian buffalo heifers

摘要

This research was aimed at determining the effect of improving of nutrition level on growth performance, age and live weight of puberty of Anatolian buffalo heifers. The material of the study was formed by 10 Anatolian buffalo heifers at 19-24 monthages. Trial animals were classified into two nutrition groups casually. One of the groups chosen casually was fed with A type ration including 9026 kcal/day energy and 14.44 percent crude protein. Second one was fed with B type ration including 7297 kcal/day energy and 12.23 percent crude protein. The rations were formed by corn, wheat, wheat bran, cotton seed cake and salt. Heifers were fed with the rations until their conception. Their live weight and some body measurements (chest girth, body lengthand height at withers) were determined with 15 days intervals along the experiment. In addition their age and live weight of puberty were recorded. The average values of chest girth, body length, height at withers and live weight for each age (19-30 month age) were calculated for both of the nutrition groups separately. The group fed with B type ration had low values than group fed with A type ration in point of all the investigated characteristics. First mating live weight of both the groups resembledalthough their first mating ages were different. It was concluded that non-productive period of Anatolian buffalo heifers could be shortened by improving nutrition level.