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Performance Evaluation of Male Cattle Calves Treated Via Injectable, Implant and Oral Growth Promoters Raised Under Intensive Production System.
by Zaheer Ahmad | Dr. Jalees Ahmad Bhatti | Mr. Nisar Ahmad | Prof. Dr | Animal Production and Technology.
Material type: ; Format:
print
; Literary form:
drama
Publisher: 2013Dissertation note: Growth hormone study were conducted to evaluate the growth performance, feed conversion ratio and economics of production of male cattle calves under intensive production system at Dairy Animals Training and Research Centre, Ravi Campus, Pattoki. Twenty (20) male cattle calves of approximately same age (20-21 months) and weight (220 kg) were divided into four groups i.e., A, B, C and D according to Completely Randomized Design (CRD) and each group had five calves. The calves on treatment 1 were as injected Bovine Somatotropic Hormone @ 500 mg/animal at 15 days interval, Zeranol was implanted @ 36mg/animal to the calves in group 2, calves in group 3 was on Harmonic Media M2 @ 500 mg/animal/day mixed in concentrate diet and the calves in group 4 was considered as control. The duration of experiment was 84 days. The calves belonging to all groups had free access to maize silage and concentrate with a ratio of 40:60 on dry matter basis. Concentrate ration was prepared using local feed stuffs and free access to Fresh and clean drinking water was ensured to calves. The calves were provided 15 days adjustment period.
The daily mean DMI/kg/day (gm) of calves in treatments 1, 2, 3 and 4 were 28.34±1.40, 29.52±0.55, 29.68±0.51 and 31.22±1.44 gms respectively. Statistically daily dry matter intake/kg/day was significant among treatment. Highest (31.22±1.44 gm) daily dry matter intake/kg/day was recorded in calves on Treatment 4, followed by 3, 2 and 1, respectively. The lowest dry matter intake/kg/day was observed in treatment 1 (Bovine Somatotropic Hormone Injectable).
Weekly weight gain of all the calves were recorded throughout the trial period. Statistically results showed significant differences among the treatments 1, 2, and 4. There was non- significant difference between treatments 1 and 3. Mean weight gain of calves on treatment 1, 2, 3 and 4 was 6.99±3.32, 6.06±1.83, 6.95±1.68 and 3.84±0.79 kg, respectively. Highest (6.99±3.32 kg) weekly weight gain was observed in treatment 1 (Bovine somatotropic hormone) followed by 3, 2 and 4, respectively. Lowest weekly weight gain was observed in calves on treatment 4 (Control).
Daily feed conversion ratio for each calf was recorded on daily basis in calves allocated to different treatments. Mean daily feed conversion ratio of calves on treatment 1, 2, 3 and 4 was11.09±7.71, 11.40±6.22, 9.71±4.50 and15.41±5.82, respectively. Statistically feed conversion ratio showed significant difference among treatments 1, 3 and 4. But non-significant difference was recorded between treatment 1 and 2. Highest (15.41±5.82 kg) weekly feed conversion ratio was observed in treatment 4 (control) followed by 2, 1 and 3 respectively. Lowest weekly feed conversion ratio was observed in animals of treatment 3 (M2 hormone). It means that treatment 3 showed best FCR and treatment 4 showed poorest FCR.
The data on variable costs involved during the experiment was recorded to calculate the economics of production (Profit) for each treatment. Gross margins regarding different treatments 1, 2, 3 and 4 were Rs. 3742.70±1830.51, 4413.75±1679.28, 1938.70±1394.22 and 404.15±508.07, respectively. Highest (Rs. 4413.75±1679.28) gross margin was observed in treatment 2 (Ralgro implant) followed by 1, 3 and 4, respectively. Lowest margin was observed in calves on treatment 4 (control).
On the basis of above mentioned results it is concluded that the growth promoters are helpful in fattening of calves as they improved growth performance, feed conversion ratio and better economics of production.
Availability: Items available for loan: UVAS Library [Call number: 1562,T] (1).
