Comparative Study of Mustard, Soybean and Rice Bran Oil: Effects on Nutrient Utilization, Growth Performance and Blood Metabolites in Growing Murrah Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Heifers

To compare the effect of dietary supplementation of different vegetable oils on nutrient utilization, growth performance and blood metabolites, 15 Murrah buffalo heifers were randomly allotted into three groups (T₁, T₂ and T₃) of five in each on the basis of their average body weight and age. All the animals were given concentrate, green fodder and wheat straw in 50: 40: 10 ratios, respectively, as per Kearl (1982) feeding standard. In addition, mustard oil, soybean oil and rice bran oil @ 3.5% of concentrate mixture were supplemented in groups T₁, T₂ and T₃ respectively. Body weight in T₂ and T₃ was higher (P<0.05) by 4.43 and 3.66% than that of T₁. Average daily gain in T₂ and T₃ was higher (P<0.05) by 10.39 and 9.19% than that of T₁. The digestibilities of the nutrients and blood metabolites remained uninfluenced (P>0.05) among all the groups. Thus it may be concluded that the addition of soybean and rice bran oil @ 3.5% in concentrate mixture improves growth performance of the buffalo heifers as compared to mustard oil. In addition to this, no adverse affect was reported on nutrient utilization and the blood metabolites profile among all the groups in buffalo heifers.