Comparing fattening performance of Azeri buffalo, native and crossbred (native* Holstein) male calves in west Azerbaijan - Iran

Abstract

For economically fattening we should know the capacity of each species thus, the objective of this investigation was the Comparison buffalo, native and HN male calves fattening performance. Eighteen claves (six animals for each group) with an average body weight (BW) of 160 kg were fattened till 300 kg. Ration and other rearing conditions were the same. Animals were fed ad libitum. Feeds remaining were weighted every morning. Animals weighted monthly till the average of group reach to 300kg. Results showed that the average daily gain (ADG) of native, buffalo and HN calves in overall period were 641, 777 and 912 gr/day respectively and there was not significantly difference between them. The average feed consumption of native, buffalo and HN calves in overall period were 5.6, 5.3 and 6.3kg DM/day respectively and the differences were significant (p<0.01). The fed consumption ratio (FCR) of native, buffalo and HN calves in overall period was 8.3, 7.2 and 6.9 and this difference was not significant. The performances of buffalo calves were intermediate between those of the Native and HN calves in all traits. In conclusion, because of high potential in conversion of roughage, buffalo calves can be competition with other species and fattening of them may be economically.