Effect of dietary selenium and copper supplementation on growth and nutrient utilization in buffalo (Bubalus Bubalis) calves

Twenty male buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) calves of 8–9 months of age (112.1±7.69 kg mean body weight) were divided into four treatment groups (n= 5 per group). Animals in the control (T1) group were fed a standard diet comprising of concentrate mixture (20% maize, 27% soybean meal, 50% wheat bran, 2% mineral mixture and 1% common salt) and ad libitum wheat straw. Animals in the experimental groups were also fed same basal diet except that they were supplemented either with 0.3ppm selenium (Se) (T2), 10ppm of copper (Cu) (T3) or both 0.3ppm Se and 10ppm Cu (T4). Experimental feeding lasted for 120 days including a 6 days metabolism trial. The intake of DM and OM, and digestibility of DM, OM, CP, EE, NDF and hemicellulose were similar (P>0.05) among the four groups. However, digestibility of ADF and cellulose was significantly higher in the T2 group. While supplementation of Se/Cu had no effect on N, Ca and P balance, feed: gain ratio and DCP intake, TDN intake was significantly (P<0.05) higher in group T2 and T3. The growth rate (g/d) of the buffalo calves was also significantly (P<0.05) increased in group T3 (465) and T4 (447) as compared to the control T1 (406). These results suggested that Se and Cu requirements of buffaloes might be higher than the presently recommended levels of NRC for cattle.