Effect of shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) supplementation on intake, digestibility, growth and reproductive performance of crossbred heifers Bhinda Rashmi*, Choudhary J.L., Jat J.R., Muwal Hitesh Department of Animal Production, Rajasthan College of Agriculture, MPUATUdaipur-313001, India *Corresponding author: jrbagariya@gmail.com
Online published on 1 October, 2022. Abstract A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) supplementation on intake and digestibility of nutrients, growth and reproductive performance in crossbred heifers. Fifteen crossbred heifers were randomly divided into 3 groups 5 animals each Tt (control), T2 and T3 (treatment) in completely randomized design. In Tt no Shatavari was supplemented while in T2 and T3 Shatavari was supplemented @ 150 mg and 200 mg/kg body weight, respectively. The experimental feeding was done for a period of 90 days. A digestion trial of seven days duration was conducted at 45 days post feeding trail to determine intake and digestibility of nutrients. The daily DM intake was significantly (p<0.05) higher in both shatavari supplemented groups as compared to control group. The intake of CP and digestible CP was significantly (p<0.05) higher in T3 group compared to control group whereas, TDN intake was comparable among 3 groups. The digestibility (%) of DM, OM and NFE did not differ among all 3 groups, while digestibility (%) of CP, CF and EE was significantly higher (p<0.05) in T3 group compared to control group. The average daily gain (g) was highest in T3 followed by T2 and Tt groups. The average age at first service in crossbred heifers was significantly (P<0.05) lower in T3 as compared to Tt It was concluded that Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) supplementation (200 mg/kg body weight) in the diet of crossbred heifers significantly improved intake and digestibility of nutrients, growth and reproductive performance. Top Keywords Digestibility, Heifer, Nutrient intake, Shatavari. Top |