VALUE ADDITION OF WHEAT STRAW WITH CORN STEEP LIQUOR AND ITS PERFORMANCE ON GROWTH RATE IN GROWING BUFFALO CALVES

Abstract

The current study was undertaken to see the benefits of mixing /soaking of wheat straw with 20% corn steep liquor on palatability, growth and digestibility in buffalo calves. 18 buffalo calves having similar body weight with age of 16-18 months were distributed into two groups. Group – 1 (control) was fed on diet @ 3 percent dry matter on body weight containing 1.5% concentrate (Anmol wanda with CP 17.5% and ME 2.6 Mcal/Kg), 0.5% wheat straw and 1% fodder on dry matter
basis while group – II (test) was fed on 1% of concentrate, wheat straw and fodder of body weight basis for each. Group feeding was practiced @ 3 percent during the 90 days of experimentation along with 10 days adjustment period. Fresh and clean water was made accessible during the whole duration of study. Body weights were measured at fortnightly basis and growth performance was worked out. Mean values of total growth of animals were 82.7+ 2.4 vs 78.1 + 3.1Kg while daily growth rate were 0.92+ 0.027 vs 0.87 + 0.035 Kg for both groups. But statistically difference was non-significant. Statistically the difference among dry matter and crude protein digestibility were non-significant. Economically diet containing wheat straw mixed with 20% corn steep liquor had lower cost of production (18%). It was proved that 20% corn steep liquor can be mixed with wheat straw to improve its palatability, growth and digestibility without any adverse effect on health status.