Influence of Dietary Protein Levels on Nutrient Utilization and Blood Parameters in Buffaloes Verma A.K.*, Singh P., Deshpande K.Y., Verma Vinay, Mehra U.R. Center of Advanced Studies in Animal Nutrition, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar-243 122, India. *Reprint request: Dr. A.K. Verma, E-mail: akverma@ivri.up.nic.in
Abstract Thirty growing bulls (Murrah, 1 year age, 80.3±1.95 kg b.wt.), divided into three equal groups following completely randomized design, were fed on isocaloric (2.01ME Mcal/kg diet) diets containing standard protein ration at 100 (SP), 90 (MP), and (80) LP percent of requirements as per Kearl, respectively. After 21 days of feeding, a metabolic trial of 6 days duration was conducted on 6 animals of each group. Intake and digestibility of CP and DCP intake (g/kgW0.75) varied significantly (P<0.05) among groups, being lowest in group 3. Intake of DM and OM (g/kgW0.75) was also similar in groups 1 and 2 but significantly (P<0.05) higher than in group 3. Nutrient digestibility other than CP did not vary among the groups. Intake and balance of N (g/d) were significantly (P<0.05) higher in group 1 than in groups 3 however variation between group 1 and 2 was not significant. N balance as percent of intake as well as absorbed did not differ significantly among 3 groups. Intake and balance of Ca and P balance were higher (P<0.05) in group 2 than in other groups. The blood biochemical profiles were comparable among all groups except for glucose and globulin (mg/dl), which were higher (P<0.05) in group 1 than in groups 2 and 3. It may be deduced that feeding of animals up to 90 percent of Kearl's standard protein requirements had no adverse effect on nutrient utilization and blood profile. Top Keywords Buffaloes, Levels of protein intake, Blood profile, Nutrient utilization. Top |