Growth Performance and Feed Efficiency of Calves Fed Calf Starter Containing Leather Meal

摘要

The effect of feeding calf starter with or without leather meal on growth, nutrient utilization and feed efficiency was studied on twenty-four crossbred calves (15-30d old) randomly divided into four groups (3male & 3 female; av. BW 35.9 kg). A control calf starter (T,) containing soybean meal was supplemented with 2,3, and 4 percent leather meal in T_2, T_3 and T_4 respectively replacing soybean meal on equal nitrogen basis. Results indicated that the CP, EE and TCHO contents of all the calf starters were similar but soluble CHO increased whereas ADF, NDF, cellulose and ADL decreased as level of leather meal increased. The treatment mean for ADF digestibility was significantly (P<= 0.05) higher in T_3 in comparison to T_4 but OM, CP, EE, NDF, cellulose and TCHO digestibilities were comparable among the treatments. The DCP and TDN intakes were statistically similar but the total body weight gain and ADG increased by approximately 12 and 16 percent, respectively, in T3 and T4. The DMI/d was least in4 percent leather meal containing calf starter and was statistically comparable to other dietary regimes. The protein and DM required per kg gain decreased in the leather meal containing calf starter. The lower DMI and higher ADG in the T_3 and T_4 reduced the daily cost of the rations as compared to control group. The final heart girth (101.50 to 104.50 cm), body barrel (101.50 to 106.17 cm), body length (92.50 to 97.17 cm) and wither height (92.50 to 94.50 cm) were not significantly (P<= 0.05) different between treatments. It was concluded that comparable body and skeletal growth and nutrient utilization can be obtained from calf starters containing upto 4 percent leather meal replacing 8 percent soybean meal.