Effect of buffer feed technology on the behaviour of crossbred calves

Abstract

Twelve crossbred calves (131-221d and 57.5-93.9kg) were divided into three groups. One animal from each group was randomly allotted to one of the four treatments viz. T1, T2, T3, and T4. Animals were given grass mixture and wheat straw. The concentrate mixture contained barley grain and mustard cake. The amount of each feed ingredient for each animal was calculated based on the NRC feeding standard. Apart from this, each animal also received 20 g of common salt and 25 g of mineral mixture. Buffer in the form of sodium bicarbonate and magnesium oxide in combination at the rate of 0.00 and 0.00, 0.20 and 0.10, 0.40 and 0.20 and 0.06 and 0.30 per cent of live weight were given in T1, T2, T3, and T4, respectively. During the excretion behavior trial frequency of urine and fecal excretion during the whole day was divided into four quarters viz., 0.00-6.00 hours (I), 6.00-12.00 hours (II), 12.00-18.00 hours (III), and 18.00-0.00 hours (IV) were recorded. During the trial animal intakes, ruminates, or rests in each quarter of the day were recorded after 15 minutes. The study focused that the frequency of fecal excretion reduced and urine excretion increased, the standing period became longer, the rumination period increased and the total number of rumination cycles and mastication decreased due to the addition of buffer in the diet. The rumination cycle was completed in a short period and the number of mastication involved in one rumination cycle was less in the last quarter. The time used to chew one bolus was longer in II and III quarters sessions. Time taken per mastication was shorter in the afternoon session (III quarter). The overall conclusion of the study revealed that the addition of buffer in ruminant nutrition (buffer feed technology) was responsible to reduce rumination in calves.