Effect of replacement of concentrate mixture protein with stylo meal on intake, nutrient utilization and growth performance of crossbred heifers

Abstract

Growing crossbred (15) heifers (average BW 201.96±4.2 kg), randomly divided into 3 equal groups of 5 animals each, were offered a composite ration of wheat straw and concentrate mixture and/or stylo meal to investigate the effect of replacing concentrate mixture with stylo meal on feed intake, nutrient utilization and growth performance. The animals of control group (T1) were fed wheat straw and concentrate based diets as per requirement while in T2 and T3 groups, CP of concentrate mixture was replaced with stylo meal by 50% and 100%, respectively. All the animals were under this feeding regime for 120 days and a metabolism trial was conducted towards the end of experimental feeding. Average daily dry matter intake (DMI) was higher in T2 and the values being 5.89, 6.34 and 5.93 kg in T1, T2 and T3, respectively. DCP intakes in T1 and T2 were sufficient for daily gain of 600g, while it was sufficient for 500g only in T3. TDN intake was significantly higher in T2 than T1 or T3. N balance (g/d) and daily live weight gain (g) was nonsignificantly higher in T1 and T2 than T3. Plasma glucose, protein and urea N were within the normal physiological range in all the groups. It was concluded that 100% concentrate crude protein could be replaced with stylo meal safely and inexpensively, however, for achievement of optimum growth performance, 50% CP of concentrate should be replaced with stylo meal in the diet of crossbred heifers.