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Performance Of Sahiwal Calves Kept Under Different Feeding Management Practices
by Zeeshan Iqbal | Dr.Muhammad Abdullah | Dr. Makhdoom Abdul Jabbar | Dr.Khalid Javed.
Material type: ; Format:
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Publisher: 2008Dissertation note: The purpose of the research trial was to study the different levels of concentrate ration on the growth performance of Sahiwal calves during nine months to one year of age. For this purpose. 45 calves were selected on the basis of the body weight and the body condition. These calves were randomly divided and assigned to three different treatment groups (A, B and C) having three replicates per treatment with 5 calves in each replicate. Group A was fed ad/lb Them green fodder (control),while group B 'as fed ad lihilum green fodder and concentrate feed 0.5 % of body weight (on DM basis). Group C was fed ad Jib/rum green fodder and concentrate feed @ 1 .0 % of body weight (on DM basis). During the experimental period, following parameters were recorded to see the performance in Sahiwal calves i.e.. daily feed intake, weight gain, feed efficiency. fortnightly body measurements, body mass index and serum chemistry. All managernental and husbandry practices for the three groups were same. The data thus obtained was subjected to statistical analysis and the difference among treatment means were compared through Least Significant Difference test.
The results indicated that calves in group C fed ad libitum green fodder and concentrate feed l. 1 % of body weight showed healthier standard than calves fed only green fodder (control). 1 lowever. 0.5 0/0 of the concentrate feeding had positive effect on the physiological indicator. Thus, Sahiwal calves fed on concentrate diet showed better response in the early growth. The overall mean daily dry matter intake (DM1) of Sahiwal calves in group A, B and C was 1.99. 2.44 and 2.89 kg, respectively. Mean daily intake of green fodder was 18.92, 15.91 and 13.02 kg per calf in group A. B and C. respectively. There was significant difference (P<0.05) in the green fodder intake between treatments. The total weight gain of Sahiwal calves during the experimental period in group A, B and C was 21.00, 33.00 and 45.60 kg, respectively. There was a significant difference in the weight gain between treatments. The mean daily gain of the calves in group A. B and C was 0.23 ± 0.11, 0.36 ± 0.24 and 0.50 ± 0.28 kg. respectively.
The feed efficiency of each experimental group was calculated considering the amount of weight gain divided by feed consumed on dry matter basis. The feed efficiency per kg of gain in weight was 0.11., 0.14 and 0.16 for calves of group A, B and C, respectively. Poor feed efficiency value (0.11) was observed in group A (control). The calves fed on green fodder and concentrate diet @ 0.5 % and 1 % of body weight on dry matter basis were more efficient than that were offered green fodder (control) only.
The total increase in body height was 1.04. 1.73 and 1.96 inches in A. B and C group. respectively. Statistically significant (P<0.01) difference were observed between groups A and B and C. The increase in heart girth was 3.87. 4.32 and 5.01 inches in group A. B and C, respectively. For heart girth a significant difference was found between the calves of group A and B, and also among A and C, but no significant difference between the calves of group B and C. The overall increase in the measurement of body length in the calves of group A, B and C were 1.61. 3.41 and 3.65 inches. respectively. There was a significant difference between the calves of group A & B and A And C but no significant difference were observed in the calves of group B and C.
The Body Mass Index (BMI) of Sahiwal calves in group A. B and C was 23.52. 37.93 and 53.02, respectively. There was a significant difference (P<0.Ol) in the BMI between treatments.
The albumin concentration in the blood serum for calves was determined. The observed values for albumin were 2.24. 5.10 and 4.89 g/dl in group A, B and C respectively. The observed value for cholesterol in each group was 41.16. 51.41 and 66.43 mg/dI in group A. B. and C and for total protein 2.57. 9.56 and 10.62 g/dl in group A, H and C respectively. The serum chemistry analysis showed inconsistent behavior to different feeding levels, thus, a well defined pattern was not observed.
The calves of group C that were fed green fodder along will the I % concentrate diet showed the best performance in term of increased dry matter intake, feed efficiency, weight gain, body measurements, body mass index and for good shinning appearance during the experiment period.
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