Evaluation of growth potential in Murrah buffaloes under free choice feeding system

Abstract

TWenty  four Murrah buffalo calves born in Aug-Sept 1989, and weaned at birth were reared individualy under free choice feeding system. Growth rate from birth to one month was 472 g per day. In the subsequent months from 1 month to 24 months it ranged from 401 to 500 g per day. Highest growth rate (500g/day) was observed between 18 to 24 months whereas after the age of 24 months it was minimum. Body
weight at maturity (30 months of age) was recorded as 392±9.9 kg. Average body length, height and heart girth at birth were estimated as 58.0+-0.5 cm, 59.8±0.8 cm and 64.0±0.8 cm respectively. The corresponding averages at maturity were 133.0±1.3, 12S.8±0.8 aod 184.4±1.8 cm respectively. Average tail length at maturity was estimated as 88.5±1.5 cm. Under free choice feeding system, total consumplion of green fodder. dry fodder and concentrate up to the age of maturity (2.5 years) was 1095 8±12.2, 318.6±2.7 and 1521.1±4.2 kg respectively. The average Cost per kg body weight gain from birth 10 6 months, 6·12 months, Rs to 18 months, 18 to 24 months and 2410 30 months of age was estimated as Rs 30.9,16.8,17.2,21.6 and Rs 40.4 respectively, with an overall cost of Rs 26.50/kg body weight gain.