Feeding energy supplements to adult male camels during winter

Abstract

Three animals were offered randomly either moth chara (Phaseolus aconitifolius) alone (NS) or with 500 g barley (SC) or 150 g oil (SO) for 1 month before swilching over to different diel according to 3 x 3 latin-square design. The energy to CP ratio (keal/g ; ME/CP ratio) was 17.74 in NS. It increased to 18.25 and 18.9 in SC and SO respectively. Multiple correlation analysis indicated negative correlation (R = -0.723) between glucose and ME/CP ratio. The change in weight (g/100 kg W /day; Delta- W) had high relationship with glucose (r=-0.816). alanine transaminase (r=-0.605), calcium (r= 0.599) and serum protein (-0.497). The ME/CP ratio, dry matter intake and body weight together could explain 86.7% variability in Delta-W. A suitable energy supplement is required during winter.