Evaluation of berseem based complete feed blocks in growing buffalo calves

Abstract

Experiments conducted on green berseem based feed blocks significantly affected (P<0.05) the post-compression expansion (PCE) and durability of blocks. The PCE was lower (P<0.05) at 18% as compared to other levels of moisture in berseem. Higher durability at 70% level was found than those of 30, 40, 50 and 60% levels of berseem, but not the PCE of blocks. The maximum compressed and final relaxed densities were not affected due to moisture levels in the berseem whereas, there was an increase in bulk density with increase in berseem levels and was maximum at 70% level followed by 60, 50, 40 and was lowest at 30% level.The complete feed blocks prepared by using 50% berseem wilted up to 18% moisture were evaluated using 12 growing buffalo calves divided into 2 groups of 6 each, Group 1 green berseem based complete blocks and group 2 conventional feeding system were compared in a growth trial of 90 days. The palatability as well as dry matter intake per 100 kg body weight as per kg metabolic body size were significantly (P<0.05) higher in T2 group than in T1. The digestibility coefficents of proximate principles, except crude fibre remained insignificant between groups. The crude fibre digestibility was higher (P<0.05) in T2 than that of T1 group whereas cost per kg gain was slIbst!1ntially lower in T1 as compared to T2 group.