EFFECT OF DIFFERENT PLANS OF NUTRITION ON GROWTH, FEED EFFICIENCY, BLOOD METABOLITES AND RELATIVE ECONOMICS IN SAHIWAL HEIFERS

Abstract

This trial was designed with the objectives to select best and economical feeding
strategies to accelerate growth pattern for reducing age at maturity in buffalo heifers. Twenty Sahiwal
heifers (Age = 24 ± 2-month and wt. = 200 ± 30 kg) were divided into four equal groups(n-5) on the
basis completely randomized design, Control group (D) of heifers was fed on green fodder only and no
ration was offered while test diets were comprised on TMR based on wheat straw (A), fodder(B) and
silage(C) with crude protein 10-11 percent. Feed intake of each experimental animal were recorded
daily. Animals were weighed at the start of experiment and fortnightly thereafter. Animals of group C
gained higher body weight (averaged 580 grams daily) comparing with other groups while animals of
group (D)fed on fodder only yielded very poorly growth. Dry Matter Intakes of all groups were similar
and there was no effect of treatment of different plans of diet fed to animals. Dry matter, Crude protein
and crude fiber digestibility values were higher in animals fed total mixed ration based on corn silage
and dry ration as compared to those fed other diets. Blood urea nitrogen values were higher in group A
fed on TMR wheat straw based diet while blood glucose values were higher in animals of group B and
C fed corn silage or green fodder based diet as indicator for availability of nutrients for growth.