TY - BOOK AU - Rafiuddin AU - Dr. Falak Sher Khan AU - Prof. Dr. ED - TI - Effect Of Group Size On Growth Performncl Of Nili Ravi Buffalo Calves During Winter Months U1 - 0971,T PY - 2007/// KW - Department of Livestock Production N1 - The study was performed to investigate the effect of group size on growth performance of Nih Ravi buffalo calves during winter months. For this purpose, 39 weaned calves were reared in different group sizes. Group A having single calf, group B having four number of calves, and group C having eight number of calves, with three replicates in each group .Space was provided 16 square feet per calf, while manger length 18 inch per animal for a period of 12 weeks (24 November2006 to 15 February2007). During this period it was observed that ambient temperature ranged from 14°C to 17°C and relative humidity (RH) 59 to 64 %. Green fodder was offered adlibitum and concentrate @ 1% of body weight. During the experimental period, the following parameters were recorded i.e., daily feed intake, weekly weight gain, weekly feed efficiency, daily water consumption ,rumination, fortnightly body measurement, rectal temperature twice daily, respiration at morning, incidence of diarrhea and respiratory illness. The data indicated that calves in group C showed significantly (P<0.05) more weight gain, increased feed intake increased body measurement and the higher percentage of respiratory illness when compared with all other groups .Where as no difference in water consumption, daily rectal temperature, respiration, feed efficiency, rumination and diarrhea between the groups A, B and C was observed. This study clearly indicated that the overall performance of group C, having eight numbers of calves is better than that of others A, having single calf and B, having four numbers of calves. The calves assessed in term of increased time spend in eating of fodder / concentrates with increased dry matter consumption, full social interaction and greater access to space in group housing reflects better welfare as compared to that in individual housing and calves kept in groups of more than four calves preferable from health and growth perspective ER -