Abstract
The present study was undertaken used to determine the effect of positive dietary cation anion difference (DCAD) based diet on nutrient intake and growth of crossbred calves in summer. Female crossbred calves (18) were blocked into three equal groups on the basis of their average body weight. The calves received a basal diet (control) or one supplemented with either +250 (S1) or +350 mEq/kg DM (S2) of dietary cation anion difference based diet. The dry matter intake (DMI) was significantly higher in S1 and S2 groups as compared to control. There was no effect of dietary treatments on digestibility of nutrients. The overall average daily gain (ADG) was significantly higher in S2 group as compared to control. Nitrogen intake, balance and urine pH increased significantly with increasing level of DCAD in diet. Sodium (Na) and potassium (K) intakes were significantly higher in treatment groups as compared to control group. However, Na and K balance were significantly higher in S2 group as compared to control. Intake and balance of Cl (chloride), S (sulphur), Ca (calcium) and P (phosphorus) were not affected by positive DCAD diet. Positive DCAD diets of +250 and +350 mEq/kg DM improved the nutrient intake and growth of crossbred calves by ameliorating climatic stress.
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