Effect of replacing groundnut-cake with expeller and solvent extracted mustardcake on growth and nutrient utilization in buffalo calves

Abstract

Male buffalo calves (24), 6- to 9-month-old, were divided in 4 groups of6 each. Control group (G 1) was offered non-legume fodder, wheat straw and concentrate mixture (CP-19.98%) containing ONC, whereas in 02, G3 and G4 groups, GNC of control ration was replaced with expeller pressed mustard-cake (EMC); 50% EMC+50% solvent extracted mustardcake and 100% (SMC), respectively, on isocaloric and isonitrogenous basIs. The growth trial conducted for 245 days, revealed that feeding of expeller mustard-cake had a depressing effect on DM intake which was apparently improved upon supplementing solvent extracted mustard-cake and significantly improved at par with .control group (G I). The digestibility coefficients of DM, CP, CF and NFE remained unaffected due to various treatments. However, digestibility of EE was significantly lower in ration containing SMC group. The balance of nitrogen was significantly (P<0.05) higher in GNC and SMC feeding groups. It was inferred from this study that solvent extracted mustard-cake can replace (100%) groundnut cake in the ration of growing buffalo calves and expeller pressed mustard-cake + solvent extracted mustardcake(50:50) are eqllally good for better utilization of nutrients in these calves.