Impact of waste bread on nutrient utilization and performance of buffalo calves

Abstract

This study was undertaken to detoxify waste bread (WB), assess its impact on the nutrient utilization, rumen fluid outflow rate and productive performance of buffalo calves. The WB was detoxified by sun drying for 16h. Isonitrogenous concentrate mixtures (CMs) were prepared, in which wheat was replaced with WB at 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% levels on nitrogen basis. In-vitro and in-sacco studies were followed by a 130 days growth trial on 12 male buffalo calves (BW 175.0 ± 2.0 kg), divided into three equal groups, offered total mixed ration (TMR) containing 0, 75 and 100% WB based CMs.  The aflatoxin B1 content in the WB before and after detoxification was 63 and 6.8 ppb. The in vitro net gas production (NGP), digestibility of nutrients, ME and feed conversion ratio was comparable in all the CMs. The total VFAs production was highest (P<0.05) in CM containing 75% WB. The effective degradability of CMs containing 75 and 100% WB was comparable but higher (P<0.05) than other CMs. The daily DM intake, digestibility of nutrients, and N-retention in buffalo calves was comparable in all the groups. The rumen outflow rate and rumen volume were lowest (P<0.05) in animals fed TMR containing 100% WB as compared to other groups. The daily live weight gain improved in 100% WB group. It was concluded that waste bread could replace wheat grains completely on nitrogen basis without any adverse effect on nutrient utilization, health or productive performance of buffalo calves.