Effect of replacement of barley with reconstituted bajra grains (Pennisetum typhoideum) and mustard-cake with uromalt-40 on the performance of growing crossbred calves

Abstract

A growth trials of 120 days on 16 growing crossbreed calves was conducted to evaluate uromalt-4U and reconstituted bajra grains. The calves were divided in 4 groups having 4 claves in each group and were fed 4 different rations. Group 1 was offered control ration T₁ : in T₂ barley was replaced with reconstituted bajra grains: in T₃ barley was replaced with raw bajra grain, and in T₄ group mustard-cake was replaced with uromalt-40. The average DM and CF intake were higher in uromalt-40 fed group. CP, EE and NFE digestibilities were significantly (P<0.05) higher in T₁ and T₄ treatments as compared to T₂ and T₃ treatment, whereas DM digestibilities was not affected due to experimental rations. CF digestibility was significantly (P<0.05) higher in T₄ treatment than those of T₁, T₂ and T₃ treatments. The blood NH3-N and blood urea-N were significantly (P<0.05%) higher in ₂ and T₄ treatments, in comparison to other treatment. In uromalt 40 group (T₁) the weight gain was significantly (P < 0.0%) lower as compared to other treatments.