Sahiwal Calves Research Articles

Evaluating the Behaviour of Sahiwal Calves under Azolla pinnata Feeding During the Cold Season

The purpose of the present research was to evaluate the feeding behaviour of Sahiwal calves raised under Azolla pinnata feeding throughout the cold season in the morning hours. Eighteen female Sahiwal calves weighing 56 kg at four months of age were used for this experiment, and they were split into three treatment groups. Treatment groups T1 and T2 received 15% and 30% of their concentrate's protein supplementation from Azolla pinnata, respectively, whereas the control group received diet that was complied with ICAR, 2013 feeding guidelines. Feeding behaviour of calves were analysed with the help of instantaneous scan sampling technique and weekly 8 hours of behaviour was recoreded ( 2 hours in a day, four times per week) in early morning hours from 09.00 to 11.00 am. Eating behaviour at 1st month of study was statistically significant in treatment groups T1 (26.5±0.29) and T2 group (26.5±0.20) as compared to control group (24.375±0.23) while numerically higher in treatment groups over the whole study period as Azolla pinnata has better mineral profiling and protein rich source, rumination time period was higher in T1 and T2 group and it might be due to the better resting behaviour in the treatment groups. However, better health status was reported in treatment groups over the control groups. From, this study it may be concluded that Azolla pinnata feeding may acts as an alternate protein source by improving the feeding and resting behaviour without affecting the overall performance of calves.

Effect of Supplementation Garlic Powder (Allium sativum) in the Growth Parameters of Sahiwal Calves

The present experiment was conducted at Sahiwal Cattle Farm, College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati, Assam, India for a period of 120 days from July to November, 2022. to investigate the effect of supplementing garlic powder (Allium sativum) on the performance of Sahiwal calves. Twelve healthy Sahiwal calves of both sexes of similar age and body weight were allocated to two experimental groups, control and treatment with six animals in each group. Calves of both groups were fed with a standard basal diet consisting of concentrate, green fodder, and paddy straw. While in the treatment group, garlic powder was supplemented @ 250 mg kg-1 body weight along with concentrate feed. The experiment was conducted as a feeding trial for eight fortnights and a digestibility trial thereafter for five days in the two experimental groups. The statistical analysis revealed a highly significant differences (**p<0.01) in body weight of the calves, fortnightly body weight gains up to 8th fortnight and the dry matter intake of the calves. Statistical analysis also revealed highly significant (**p<0.01) differences in the conformation traits when compared between the groups with highly positive correlation with the body weight of the calves. Further it can be concluded that the supplementation of garlic powder at dosage of 250 mg kg-1 body weight in the Sahiwal calf ration is beneficial in terms of body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, body confirmation traits, and economic of feeding.

Effect of Azolla pinnata Feeding on Linear Type Traits and its Relation to Economic Feasibility in Sahiwal Calves

Background: Concentrate is the most vital element in animal diet, prepared primarily from traditional protein sources. All these protein sources are very expensive and responsible for reducing the income. Human beings and animals are competing for protein sources either for consumption or industrial use. Under this context, Azolla pinnata can act as best protein replacement source for protein. Methods: The study was conducted on eighteen female Sahiwal calves for 90 days. The animals were distributed into three groups (T0, T1 and T2). The animals in (T0) group were fed as per ICAR 2013 feeding standard. In the (T1 and T2) group, fresh Azolla pinnata was fed by replacing 15% and 30% protein content of concentrate with Azolla pinnata on DM basis, respectively. Result: There was no significant difference in all the parameters used for estimating the linear type traits (LTT). Body weight measured through Schaeffer’s formula showed a significant difference between the T0 and T2 groups. The significant difference (P less than 0.05) was obtained for feed cost/kg weight gain in between the T0 and T2 groups. The reduction in the feed cost/kg weight gain in T1 and T2 group as compared to T0 group was Rs. 7.28 and 14.51 respectively. It was concluded that Azolla inclusion at 30% replaced level was the most profitable replacement.

Effects of replacing the protein content of Azolla Pinnata with concentrate on physiological and blood profiles changes in Sahiwal calves

Eighteen female Sahiwal calves of average four month of age and 54 kg body weight were selected for the study. The animals were divided into three groups (T0, T1, and T2) on body weight basis. The animals were fed as per ICAR feeding standard (2013) for calves for 90 days. The animals in T0 group T0 were fed as per feeding standard while in T1 and T2 groups, fresh Azolla pinnata was fed by replacing 15% and 30% protein content of concentrate with Azolla pinnata on DM basis. The nonsignificant results were obtained for all the physiological parameters. In addition, the nonsignificant results were obtained for the body weight at different intervals among all the three groups. The blood samples were collected at every fortnight from zero days until the end of the study. Plasma concentrations of cortisol, T3 and T4 have shown nonsignificant results throughout the experiments (p > 0.05). However numerically cortisol level was lower in the Azolla fed groups. There was a significant difference seen in the levels of growth hormone and IGF-1 level in between T0 and T2 groups (p < 0.05). Various biochemical tests such as glucose, protein, NEFA, creatinine, BUN level along with haematological parameters have shown no significant difference (p > 0.05). Also, Azolla has influenced the IGF-1 and GH level leading to faster growth rate. It can be concluded that Azolla pinnata can act as a novel initiative for protein replacement by maintaining the circulating concentration of various blood profiles up to the basal levels along with better growth.

Effect of Weaning and Natural Suckling on the Colostrum, Milk and Dry Matter Intake and Growth Performance of Sahiwal Calves

Background: The young calves are the future replacement stock in any farm. Traditionally calves are allowed to suckle their dams while in modern intensive dairy farming calves get separated from the dam. The current study was aimed to find the influence of weaning and natural suckling on the colostrum, milk and dry matter intake growth performance of Sahiwal calves. Methods: Twelve newborn Sahiwal calves were selected and divided into 2 groups, one group was weaned from their dams immediately after birth (weaned group) and another allowed to suckle their dam (suckled group). The parameters were taken daily for colostrum intake, weekly for milk intake and fortnightly for total dry matter intake (from milk, green fodder and concentrate), body weight and average body weight gain. Result: The mean daily colostrum intake during the first 3 feedings were significantly (P less than 0.05) lower in weaned calves as compared to suckled calves. The mean daily milk intake was significantly (P less than 0.05) higher in suckled (3.37 kg/day) as compared to weaned (2.80 kg/day) calves whereas average total dry matter intake did not differ between weaned and suckled calves. The mean final body weights at 12th fortnight was only numerically higher in suckled group of calves as compared to weaned group of calves while the overall average daily gain (ADG) was significantly (P less than 0.01) higher in case of suckled calves (0.419±0.012 kg/day) than weaned (0.377±0.009) group of Sahiwal calves. It was concluded that the colostrum and milk intake performance as well as the final body weight and average daily body weight gain was improved in naturally suckled Sahiwal calves as compared to weaned calves.

First report on efficacy of Citrus limetta seed oil in controlling cattle tick Rhipicephalus microplus in red Sahiwal calves

The objective of the study was to evaluate the acaricidal activity of Citrus limetta seed oil (CLO) for controlling the cattle tick Rhipicephalus microplus. C. limetta seeds were collected as a waste product from different juice corners. CLO was obtained after extraction of seeds on soxhlet apparatus using n-hexane as solvent. It was characterized through Gas Chromatography-High Resolution Mass Spectroscopy (GC-HRMS) to determine the presence of active constituents. In vitro bioassays were performed using adult immersion test (AIT) and larval packet test (LPT). In vivo acaricidal efficacy of CLO was performed on red Sahiwal calves using ear bag method. Clinical safety of CLO was evaluated by observing haematological parameters and skin irritancy assay. Results of GC-HRMS showed that mainly fatty acids such as linoleic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, and linolenic acid were present in the CLO. CLO in the concentration of 125 mg/mL (CLO8) exhibited 100 % mortality in both AIT and LPT. CLO significantly (p < 0.001) reduced the number of ticks from 35 to 5.05 and 3.24 on 144 h after treatment with CLO7 and CLO8, respectively. CLO was found clinically safe without producing erythema and edema on skin. Haematological parameters such as haemoglobin (11.48 g/100 mL), total leucocytes count (4.32 106/cumm), total erythrocytes count (6.80 106/cumm), and packed cell volume (34.39 %) were normal and controlled. CLO may be used as effective and safe drug therapy for controlling R. microplus ticks.

Residual feed intake and related biochemical parameters in male Sahiwal calves

This study was conducted to evaluate the differences in efficiency of feed utilisation in Sahiwal calves with low and high residual feed intake (RFI) by comparing feed intake, nutrient digestibility, growth traits and blood biochemical parameters. Eighteen growing male Sahiwal calves (aged 12 months, average body weight 120.04 kg) were selected and fed individually total mixed ration as per their requirements for a period of 60 days. Fifty per cent of maize grains in concentrate mixture containing 33% maize grains were replaced by fresh potatoes (DM basis). Based on linear regression models involving dry matter intake (DMI), average daily gain (ADG) and mid test metabolic body size, calves were assigned into low and high RFI groups. Residual feed intake (RFI) values were calculated for individual calves and the calves were divided into low (–0.20) and high (+0.18) RFI groups. Low RFI animals consumed less dry matter than the expected or predicted one indicating their more efficiency of feed utilization. The intakes of DM and CP were 4.95 and 6.47% lower in low RFI animals compared to high RFI animals while average daily gain was higher in low RFI group. The digestibility of DM, OM, CP, EE, total carbohydrates, NDF and ADF were similar in low and high RFI groups, however, nitrogen retention was higher in low RFI group. Values of alanine amino transferase (25.85 vs. 35.72 IU/L), aspartate amino transferase (80.33 vs. 100.57 IU/L), total protein (7.34 and 8.24 mg/dL), blood urea nitrogen (15.45 and 22.22 mg/dL) and creatinine (1.27 and 1.78 mg/dL) were higher for high RFI as compared to low RFI group. The concentration of growth hormone, insulin and IGF-1 were similar in both the groups. From present study, it could be concluded that low RFI animals were more efficient in feed conversion.

Performance evaluation of the tractor operated paddy thresher as affected by feeding rate and cylinder speed

A study was carried out to assess the effect of different flooring material on the body weight and biometry of the Sahiwal calves. Eighteen Sahiwal calves of either sex with average body weight of 110.41±7.62 kg and aged between 6 to 8 months were assigned randomly to three flooring types viz., Concrete floor (control, T1), Concrete bedded with straw floor (T2) and Concrete floor with rubber mats (black, rubber material, 8 mm thick (T3). The study was conducted from May 2018 to August 2018.Significant (P0.05) difference among the groups except for chest girth. It is concluded that among the flooring materials, rubber mats relatively improved the body weight and biometry of the sahiwal calves.

Effect of Sex on the Body Weights of Pure Breed Sahiwal Calf under the High Humid Conditions of Assam

Background: Sahiwal is an outstanding milch breed of cattle originated from the Sahiwal area, Montgomery district of Punjab in Pakistan. Performance evaluation of this breed in the high humid condition of north-east India is very much limited. Assam Agricultural University is maintaining a pure herd of Sahiwal cattle in the College of Veterinary Science, Khanapara since August 2017 to conserve, propagate and bring about genetic improvement of this breed.Methods: The study was carried out in Sahiwal cattle farm, College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati by utilizing 25 numbers of Sahiwal calves. Least squares analysis of variance technique (1975) was undertaken to analyze the body weights of calves at monthly intervals up to six months of age. Result: Overall mean for body weights of calves were found as 26.96 ± 0.27 kg, 32.03 ± 0.47 kg, 37.03 ± 0.62 kg, 42.91 ± 0.76 kg, 48.45 ± 0.77 kg, 55.22 ± 0.77 kg, and 62.08 ± 0.88 kg at the day of birth, 1st month, 2nd month, 3rd month, 4th month, 5th month and 6th month respectively. Analysis of variance revealed that the bodyweight of male calves was significantly heavier than that of the female calves ( less than 0.05).

Monozygous twinning in cattle: A case study

Monozygous twinning occurs infrequently in cattle and likely accounts for relatively few twin births in the dairy cattle population. But, in present case a monozygous twinning of Sahiwal calves were observed in Barka Chumba village located in Mandu Block of Ramgarh district, Jharkhand. The body weight of the calves was found to be approximately 70 kg at 12 months of age. The calves were having poor growth and body condition. The overall health of the cow was also poor and the body weight of the cow was approximately 350 kg. The cow was having history of retained placenta and ketosis. Cows calving twins as well as the calves born as twins are at higher risk for health-related problems compared to non-twinning herdmates. To reduce the twinning in cow strategy has to be adopted to investigate the factors responsible for twinning in dairy cattle and to develop and test the efficacy of practical strategies for identifying and managing cows carrying twins.

Rhipicephalus microplus (acari: Ixodidae): Clinical safety and potential control by topical application of cottonseed oil (Gossypium sp.) on cattle

The present study was performed to determine the acaricidal activity of the cottonseed oil (CSO) against cattle tick Rhipicephalus microplus. CSO was analyzed using Gas Chromatograph with high-resolution Mass Spectrometer (GC-HRMS) to identify the presence of active compounds. In vitro bioassays were performed using larval packet test (LPT) and adult immersion test (AIT) by taking different concentrations of CSO (i.e. 0.1, 0.5, 1.5, 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10 and 12.5%). In vivo acaricidal activity of CSO was evaluated by its topical application on red Sahiwal calves for 144 h. Clinical safety of CSO was evaluated by performing skin irritancy test and examination of hematological profile of calves'. GC-HRMS analysis of CSO revealed the presence of many fatty acids including oleic acid, lauric acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid and other components. Results exhibited that all the concentrations of CSO were effective in reducing the number of ticks and their growth. However, CSO at concentrations of 10% (CSO7) and 12.5% (CSO8) exhibited 100% mortality of R. microplus larvae and adults in LPT and AIT, respectively. In vivo acaricidal assay revealed that CSO7 and CSO8 shown 85% and 89% inhibition of ticks, respectively on calves after 144 h as compared to the control group. CSO was clinically safe on calves’ skin with mild erythema up to 20 min. Hematological profile of calves revealed no sign of toxicity after treatment with CSO. Thus, CSO can be used as an alternative and safe drug therapy against R. microplus.

Effect of calf starter on the growth performance of dairy calves

Dairy calves must be fed appropriately to meet their nutritional needs, supporting optimal growth and development to achieve the recommended target age at first calving (AFC) of 24 months. Traditional restricted milk feeding practices suppress growth, contribute to negative welfare states and may result in malnutrition and immunosuppression. In this study a total of eight high yielding calves (four Holstein Friesian and four Sahiwal breed) whose average body weight was 44.8 kg and 58 kg respectively. The supplied calf starter was composed of maize crushed, rice polish, wheat bran, gram broken, mustard oil cake, vitamin mineral premix, molasses and common salt. Calf starter was supplied initially 0.25 kg/day/calf in equal halves to the experimental calves twice a day i.e. at 7.00 AM and 12.30 PM and gradually increase upto 1 kg/d/calf. Average body weight gain, wither height gain, body length gain, barrel height gain, and hip height gain in Sahiwal and Holstein Friesian calves were 65.97±1.04 Kg, 31.04±1.13 inch, 32.34±1.46 inch, 12.80±0.71 inch, 35.05±1.27 inch, and 53.61±2.41 Kg, 29.78±1.17 inch, 30.93±1.66 inch 11.78±0.66 inch, 33.44±1.41 inch respectively. Our study concluded to establish a consensus on calf feeding standards which support physiological function, facilitate weaning, support growth targets and ensure calf health and welfare is protected.&#x0D; Asian Australas. J. Biosci. Biotechnol. 2020, 5 (2), 60-64

Growth Performance and Nutrient Digestibility of Azolla pinnata Feeding in Sahiwal Calves (Bos indicus) by Replacing Protein Content of Concentrate with Azolla pinnata during Winter Season

Background: Globally, human population in increasing at a very fast rate which is decreasing the land coverage with time. It was found that only 4% of the area is left for cultivating fodder. As a consequence, livestock is dependent on crop residues that are poor in dietary quality, crude protein with high fibre. Also the concentrate, most vital element in animal diet is very expensive and responsible for reducing the income. It is the need of the hour to develop cheap protein sources to promote adequate growth along with raising income. Under this context, Azolla pinnata can act as the best source for protein substitution. The present investigation was carried out to study the effect of protein replacement through Azolla pinnata on performance of Sahiwal female calves. Method: The experiment were conducted in 18 growing Sahiwal female calves distributed into three groups (T0, T1and T2) for 90 days. The animals in (T0) group were fed as per ICAR 2013 feeding standards, while (T1) and T2 group was fed by replacing 15%, 30% protein content of concentrate with Azolla pinnata on DM basis respectively. Results: Proximate analysis of Azolla pinnata revealed that it has higher CP value (26.50% on DM basis) and there was no significant difference in total dry matter intake, CP intake and TDN intake in all the treatment groups. The average daily live-weight gain (ADG) was higher in T2 followed by T1 group. Thus, it can be concluded that Azolla pinnata can be used as a novel initiative for protein replacement in Sahiwal female calves.

Influence of Dietary Vanadium Supplementation on Nutrient Utilisation, Growth Performance and Blood Biochemical Parameters in Sahiwal Calves

An experiment was conducted to examine the effect of dietary vanadium supplementation on feed intake, efficiency of nutrient utilization, growth performance, blood biochemical constituents and endocrine status in male Sahiwal calves. The vanadium concentration in some common feed ingredients was also estimated. Twenty male Sahiwal calves were randomly selected and divided on body weight (71±8.06 kg) and age (6±0.82 months) equalization into 4 different groups (n = 5). The treatments were given with 0, 2, 4 and 8 ppm of vanadium in GP-I, GP-II, GP-III and GP-IV, respectively for a duration of hundred and twenty days and subjected to analysis of variance in completely randomized design (CRD). Green fodder and deoiled seed cakes were found rich in vanadium content than grains and by-products. The dietary supplementation of vanadium did not affect the feed intake, digestibility of nutrients, average daily gain and feed efficiency. Plasma glucose level was increased (plessthan0.05) in GP-III and GP-1V without (p&gt;0.05) affecting insulin level .The total protein, AST and ALT were unaffected by V supplementation. GP-IV showed higher (plessthan0.05) IGF-1 levels, whereas GP-III and GP-1V recorded higher (plessthan 0.05) ALP activity in comparison to GP-I (control) and GP-II. The level of triglycerides decreased in a dose dependent way, however, the cholesterol concentration showed a declining (plessthan 0.05) trend with the increasing vanadium concentration in the diet. It may be concluded that the dietary vanadium supplementation elicits the metabolic profile specially glucose and lipid metabolism of growing calves which in turn may have implications on further growth performance.

Feed utilization, blood metabolites and ingestive behavior in Sahiwal calves divergently selected for low and high residual feed intake

Feed utilization, blood metabolites and ingestive behavior in Sahiwal calves divergently selected for low and high residual feed intake

Effect of dietary vanadium supplementation on growth performance, mineral balance and antioxidant activity in male Sahiwal calves

The study was aimed to examine the effect of supplementation of sodium metavandate (NaVO3) as source of vanadium on DMI intake, growth performance, antioxidant activity, level of mineral in plasma and their balance in male Sahiwal calves. The vanadium content in maize (Zea mays) and bajra (Pennisetum glaucum) grains was 58 ppb and 55 ppb while in berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum) and mustard (Brassica campestris) fodder it was 8.37 and 7.24 ppm, respectively. Male Sahiwal calves (20) of comparable age (6±0.82 months) and body weight (71±8.06 kg) were randomly allotted to 4 different treatments with replication of 5 animals in each. Supplementation was done with 0, 2, 4 and 8 ppm of vanadium in groups T1, T2, T3 and T4, respectively, for 120 days. Blood samples were collected at monthly intervals to examine antioxidant activity in blood, plasma and mineral levels. Feed consumption (DM intake, DM intake% BW) and growth rate did not show any significant effect of vanadium supplementation. Glutathione peroxidase activity was higher in groups T3 and T4 as compared to T1 and T2 whereas, SOD and catalase activity was similar in all the groups. Excretion and absorption patterns of Ca, P, Cu and Fe and their plasma levels were similar in different groups. However, vanadium and Zn balance and their plasma levels increased due to vanadium supplementation. The present study revealed that in growing calves, vanadium supplementation showed enhanced glutathione peroxidise activity, plasma Zn and vanadium levels.

Factors influencing calf mortality in zebu and crossbred cattle reared under subtropical agroclimatic conditions

Data on birth weight and mortality pattern of Zebu (Sahiwal and Tharparkar) and Crossbred (Holstein Friesian × Tharparkar) cattle spread over 16 years were utilized to analyze the causes of calf mortality and to study the effect of non-genetic factors on calf mortality. Calf mortality was higher in crossbred (27.7%) compared to either Sahiwal (20.7%) or Tharparkar cattle (11.9%). Age group wise analysis revealed maximum mortality within one month age in Zebu cattle, and during 1–3 months age in crossbred cattle. Mortality was higher in calves born during winter, summer and rainy seasons in Sahiwal, crossbred and Tharparkar, respectively. Mortality was higher among male calves compared to female calves. Significantly higher proportion of Sahiwal calves died due to respiratory problems, while general debility was the major reason for calf mortality in crossbred and Tharparkar cattle. Season of birth had highly significant influence within one month age in Sahiwal and crossbred cattle. Influence of all the non genetic factors on calf mortality at various age groups was found to be non significant in Tharparkar cattle. It is inferred that calf mortality was higher in crossbred compared to Zebu cattle and the effect of season of birth and birth weight had a significant effect on calf mortality during first three months age. Among the several causes, respiratory problem was a significant reason for the calf mortality.

Effect of different fat and protein levels in calf ration on performance of Sahiwal calves.

ObjectiveThe current study was carried out to examine the response of different levels of fat and protein in calf starter on nutrient utilisation, nitrogen metabolism, weight gain, blood parameters, and immunity level in pre-ruminant calves.MethodsTwenty four calves (5 days old) were divided into six groups in a 2×3 factorial design, with two levels of fat (10% and 14%) and three levels of protein (18%, 21%, and 24%). The calves were kept in individual pens for 120 days and fed with whole milk (1/10th of body weight) and calf starter ad-libitum. Daily dry matter intake was recorded; whereas body weight was taken on fortnightly basis to calculate average daily gain. During the growth trial blood samples were collected at 30 days interval to estimate blood glucose, albumin, total protein, total leucocyte count, total immunoglobulins and immunoglobulin G levels. A metabolic trial of seven days was carried out to find out the digestibility of different nutrients.ResultsThe dry matter intake was reduced (p<0.05) with higher fat and protein levels whereas feed conversion efficiency was improved (p<0.05) with higher protein level. Different levels of fat and protein in calf ration did not affect average daily gain in calves. The dry matter, organic matter, and crude protein digestibility were significantly (p<0.01) higher with increased level of protein. The nitrogen retention was also significantly higher (p<0.05) at 24% protein level, similarly the total immunoglobulin was significantly (p<0.05) high in higher protein fed groups, showed better immunity.ConclusionThe present finding suggested that 10% fat and 18% protein level of calf starter could be used in Sahiwal calves for optimum performance in terms of weight gain and immunity.

Effect of Nutritional Status and Management Systems on Nutrients Intake in Sahiwal Calves

Effect of Nutritional Status and Management Systems on Nutrients Intake in Sahiwal Calves

Surgical correction of atresia ani et recti along with pervious urachus in sahiwal cow calves

Congenital atresia of intestines in anus and rectum part is commonly reported in newborn calves. This case report discusses cases of atresia ani et recti and its surgical correction. A circular incision was made on the bulge of the anus and patency of opening was maintained by the application of interrupted sutures. The animal's defecation improved slowly.