Meat meal and algae ( Spirulina) as ingredients of calf starter rations

Abstract

Twelve Jersey-Tharparkar calves were distributed according to randomised block design to form a control and two experimental groups. Calves of the control group were fed a starter ration containing groundnut cake, while calves in Groups I and II were fed starter rations containing meat meal or Spirulina. The calves of control and Groups I and II recorded growth rates of 1·68, 1·83 and 1·39 kg week −1 and the higher gain in weight of calves in Group I was significant (P < 0.05). The metabolism trial indicated that the DCP content of the starter rations used in control and Groups I and II was 13· 68,16·21 and 15·85%, while TDN were 81·07, 77·75 and 68·80% respectively. The higher DCP content of the ration used in Groups I and II and the higher TDN content of the starter ration used in Group I was significant (P < 0·01). The study indicated that meat meal is suitable for use in a starter ration, but the use of Spirulina needs further investigation.