Energy and protein requirements of growing Nili‐Ravi buffalo heifers in tropical environment

Abstract

AbstractThirty Nili‐Ravi buffalo heifers (average initial weight 119 kg) were used to assess energy and protein requirements for maintenance and growth. The calves were randomly divided into six equal groups and were fed six diets consisting of three levels of energy (55%, 60% and 65% total digestible nutrient—TDN) in ration and two levels of protein (10% and 12% crude protein—CP) in ration in factorial arrangement ad libitum until they attained 400 kg body weight. Energy and protein requirements at different stages of growth were estimated by partitioning of the metabolizable energy (ME), CP and metabolizable protein (MP) intake for maintenance and body weight gain by regression analysis. All of the multiple regression equations derived for different body weight ranges were highly significant (P < 0.01) and had high R2 values. The ME (kJ), CP (g) and MP (g) requirements for maintenance at different body weights were 443–542, 5.89–9.38 and 4.03–6.30 kg−0.75 d−1. The respective values for average daily gain in body weight (ADG) were 26–53, 0.24–0.48 and 0.18–0.31 g−1 ADG d−1. The predicted requirements matched well with their corresponding actual intake values across the data range. Regressed values were used to develop new feeding standards for buffalo heifers. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry