Effect of Different Levels of Protein |Supplements to Maize Fodder Based Diet on Intake, Nutrient Utilization and Growth Rate of Crossbred Heifers

Eighteen crossbred heifers (12-22m, 97–167 kg), divided into 3 groups of six animal each, were fed maize fodder ad libitum supplemented with one kg concentrate mixture/h/d. CP content of concentrate mixture fed to groups T₁, T₂ and T₃ was 24, 2 and 32%, respectively. Group T₂served as control in which CP requirements were met as per NRC standards. Energy and protein intake from green maize fodder was equal in all the three groups. The digestibility coefficient of CP and body weight gain/d were higher (P<0.05) in group T₃, however, the roughage as well as total DM intake did not differ significantly among groups.