Abstract
Aim: The objective of the present study is to know the effect of feeding processed sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolour (L) moench) crushed residue (SSCR) based complete ration on growth, feeding behavior and cost of gain in Murrah buffalo calves in order to compare the feeding value of SSCR with sorghum straw (SS) and also find out the efficient way of utilization of SSCR in the diets of growing buffalo calves. Materials and Methods: Experimental complete rations were formulated with SSCR and concentrate in 50:50 ratio and processed in to SSCR chopped and concentrate (SSCRC), mash (SSCRM) and expander extruder pellets (SSCRP). The control ration was SS based complete feed processed in to mash (SSM). 24 Murrah buffalo calves (Average 137 kg body weight and aged 1 year 2 months) were randomly distributed into 4 experimental groups of 6 animals each in a completely randomized design and the experimental rations were offered to 4 groups randomly for a period of 150 days. A 7 day digestion trial was conducted at the end of 150 day growth trial to find out the nutrient digestibility of experimental rations. Eating and ruminating activities were noted every 5 minutes, and each activity was assumed to persist for the entire 5 minutes. Sorting behavior in the calves was observed physically at the time of feeding. The cost of the rations was calculated on the basis of processing cost and the prevailing market prices of the feed ingredients. Results: The DM intake (g/d), digestibilities of DM, organic matter, crude protein and nitrogen free extract and nitrogen (N) balance were higher (P
Highlights
Sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolour (L) moench), a dry land crop is more water use efficient and recently gaining importance as a feedstock for ethanol production [1]
The present study indicated that SSCR may be used as roughage source in place of sorghum straw (SS) in complete feeds for economic feeding of buffalo calves
The objective of the present study was to know the effect of feeding processed SSCR based complete ration on growth, nutrient digestibility, feed efficiency, feeding behavior and cost per kg weight gain in Murrah buffalo calves in order to compare the feeding value of SSCR with sorghum straw (SS) and find out the efficient way of utilization of SSCR in the diets of growing buffalo calves
Summary
Sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolour (L) moench), a dry land crop is more water use efficient and recently gaining importance as a feedstock for ethanol production [1]. It can produce stalk 54 - 69 t/ha [2]. The crushed residue produced after juice extraction from stalks can be used as animal feed [3]. Various processing methods like grinding [6] and pelleting [7] improved the dry matter intake and digestibility of nutrients. A day's expanders are being used in feed industry as an alternative for pelleting for processing of livestock feeds [8,9]
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