Effect of ionophore enriched UMMB on feed intake, nutrient utilization and growth of crossbred calves

Abstract

Male crossbred calves (20) were divided into 4 groups of 5 each. The animals of groups 1 and 2 were fed concentrate mix. And monensin (30 mg/d/animal) supplemented concentrate mix, respectively, along with ad lib. Wheat straw, while groups 3 and 4 were fed wheat straw ad lib. with 70 % concentrate mix of their requirement and had free access to urea molasses mineral block (UMMB) prepared through cold process with or without ionophore (monensin). Total dry matter (DM) intake, DM intake in terms of per cent body weight and g/kg W0.75 did not differ significantly. Average block consumption in group 3 (358.00 g/day) was higher than in group 4 (243.00 g/day). Nutrient digestibility was similar among, however, CF digestibility was significantly (P<0.01) higher in groups 3 and 4 than in groups 1 and 2. Total live weight gain (kg), feed efficiency and total feed cost in 120 days experiment did not differ significantly among the groups, however, feeding of ionophore enriched UMMB could save about Rs 111.00 in 4 months without affecting nutrient digestibility and growth rate of calves.