EFFECT OF DIFFERENT PLANS OF NUTRITION ON GROWTH, FEED EFFICIENCY, BLOOD METABOLITES AND RELATIVE ECONOMICS IN SAHIWAL HEIFERS

Abstract

This trial was designed with the objectives to select best and economical feedingstrategies to accelerate growth pattern for reducing age at maturity in buffalo heifers. Twenty Sahiwalheifers (Age = 24 ± 2-month and wt. = 200 ± 30 kg) were divided into four equal groups(n-5) on thebasis completely randomized design, Control group (D) of heifers was fed on green fodder only and noration was offered while test diets were comprised on TMR based on wheat straw (A), fodder(B) andsilage(C) with crude protein 10-11 percent. Feed intake of each experimental animal were recordeddaily. Animals were weighed at the start of experiment and fortnightly thereafter. Animals of group Cgained higher body weight (averaged 580 grams daily) comparing with other groups while animals ofgroup (D)fed on fodder only yielded very poorly growth. Dry Matter Intakes of all groups were similarand there was no effect of treatment of different plans of diet fed to animals. Dry matter, Crude proteinand crude fiber digestibility values were higher in animals fed total mixed ration based on corn silageand dry ration as compared to those fed other diets. Blood urea nitrogen values were higher in group Afed on TMR wheat straw based diet while blood glucose values were higher in animals of group B andC fed corn silage or green fodder based diet as indicator for availability of nutrients for growth.