Comparative Nutritional Efficiency of Sahiwal and Different Grades of Holstein Fmesian X Sahiwal Crossbred Heifers for Growth

Feed conversion and nutritional efficiency of 18 heifers, distributed equally in three genetic groups namely; Holstein Friesian X Sahiwal 5/8 interbred (Frieswal), HF X Sahiwal 5/8 straightbred (5/8 SB) and Sahiwal were evaluated in a growth trial of 36 weeks under identical feeding and management conditions. DM intake/100 kg b.wt. was 2.31, 1.99 and 2.28 kg for Frieswal, 5/8 SB and Sahiwal breeds, respectively. The digestibility of proximate nutrients, DCP and TDN contents in the rations as well as N-balances were approximately the same in all the groups. Average value of daily body weight gain was 350,353 and 311 g for Frieswal, 5/8 SB and Sahiwal breeds, respectively. The DM intake/kg live weight gain was significamtly (P<0.01) lower in Frieswal than in 5/8 SB and Sahiwal breeds. The intake of nutrients per kg W^0.75 and the feed cost per kg live weight gain did not differ significantly among breeds. It may thus be inferred that all the genetic groups studied had a similar growth rates, feed conversion and nutritional efficiency for growth under uniform feeding and management conditions.