Effect of feeding total mixed rations on the performance of buffalo calves Wadhwa M., Bakshi M. P. S.* Department of Animal Nutrition, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana-141004, India *Corresponding author bakshimps@yahoo.com
Abstract A 93 day trial was conducted to assess the effect of isonitrogenous total mixed rations (TMRs) in comparison to the conventional feeding system on the nutrient utilization and growth rate of buffalo calves. Animals divided into 5 equal groups were offered either control ration containing concentrate mixture, green fodder (Trifolium alexandrium) and wheat straw fed separately by conventional feeding system (C), C offered as TMR1, concentrate mixture and naturally fermented urea wheat straw (FWS) as TMR2, concentrate mixture and ensiled pearl millet as TMR3, or concentrate mixture, ensiled pearl millet and FWS as TMR4. Simultaneously each diet was offered to 3 rumen fistulated male buffalo calves for 30 days, to study their effect on biochemical changes in the rumen. The daily DM intake was improved considerably (3.3 to 16.4%) on feeding TMR as compared to the conventional feeding system. However, the feeding system, did not show any significant effect on the nutrients digestibility. Digestibility of CP, of diets containing fermented wheat straw (TMR2) was lower than that of control diet (conventional or as TMR1). The production of TVFAs was higher (P<0.01) from diets fed as TMR than that of control. The nitrogen retained by the animals and apparent biological value of TMR3 and TMR4 were improved by 23 to 25 per cent and 9.6 to 12.4 per cent, respectively over that of control diet. The buffalo calves, offered blend of ingredients like concentrate mixture, pearl millet silage and naturally fermented urea wheat straw as TMR4, performed considerably better than those fed other diets. However, the feeding system showed no significant, beneficial effect on the different N-fractions in the rumen, blood profile, nutritive value of diets or the daily live weight gain. Top Keywords Total mixed ration, Nutrients utilization, Rumen studies, Blood profile, Growth, Calves. Top |