Effect of two planes of nutrition on feed conversion and nutritional efficiency for growth and age at puberty in female growing calves

Abstract

Female calves (18), 6 from each of the 3 genetic groups, viz. Holstein-Friesian x Sahiwal 5/8 interbred (Frieswal). HF < Sahiwal 5/8 Straight-bred (5/8 SB) and Sahiwal (group 1) were fed as per Military Farm feeding scale and another similar group of 18 calves (group 2) were maintained as per standards feeding scale to evaluate the feed conversion and nutritional efficiency for growth for 36 weeks. Though the DMI/100 kg body weight was similar in both the groups but calves in group 2 consumed significantly more DM from concentrate. The digestibility of DM, CF, NFE and OM were similar in the 2 groups. The CP and EE digestibility was more in group 2. CP and DCP of mixed rations behaved similarly. TDN and ME were similar in the 2 groups. The balance of N were significantly (P<0.01) more for group 2. The feed conversion and nutritional efficiency was significantly higher in group 2 in comparison to group 1. However, the feed cost/kg live weight gain was significantly (P<0.01) lower for group 2. The heifers fed on NRC scale of feeding attained puberty 92 days before the heifers maintained on Military Farm feeding scale.