Response of Bhadawari buffalo calves to dietary protein levels for intake, nutrients utilization, N balance, nutrient efficiency and growth performance

Abstract

The present study was aimed to evaluate the protein requirement of NRC (2001) recommended for small breeds calves gaining 400 g body weight. For this 15 Bhadawari buffalo calves randomly distributed in groups G1, G2 and G3 of 5 animals each were used to assess protein response on their growth. Calves were offered CP and ME as per NRC (2001) in G1, 20% less CP (G2) and 20% more CP (G3) than G1, respectively. Calves were fed sorghum hay and isocaloric concentrate mixtures (2.7 M cal ME) of different protein values (16.20–24.00%). Feed intake g/kg W0.75 and % body weight was comparable among dietary groups. DCP (g/kg W0.75) and ME (M cal) intake was lower in G2 than G1 and G3. DM and CP digestibility were lower in G2 than G1 and G3 dietary groups. N balance (g/d) was lower in G2 than G3. Calves growth rate was comparable and ranged 407.64±9.82 to 430.32±31.94 g across diets. CPCR and MECR efficiency for weight gain varied (P<0.05) across diets. For calves 20% less CP than NRC (2001) is adequate for 400 g growth rate/d without affecting the feed intake and cell wall digestibility.