Effect of Feeding Sunflower Cake on Nutrients Utilization in Cattle

Sixteen crossbred (HF x Mariana) cattle, divided into 4 equal groups, were fed on concentrate mixture, green fodder and wheat straw ad lib. Groundnut cake of control ration (T₁) was replaced at 25 (T₂), 50 (T₃) and 75% (T₄) levell by deoiled sunflower cake on CP basis. The DM intake per day and DMI per 100 kg body weight did not differ significantly among groups. Digestibilities of proximate nutrients and cell wall constituentes and DCP intake per day were not affected upto 50% replacement of groundnut cake protein with that of deoiled sunflower cake protein. TDN Intake was significantly (P<0.05) lower in T₃ and T₄ groups shan in group T₁ There was net saving of Ms. 0.23 per kg DM by replacing 50% groundnut cake protein with deoiled sunflower cake (DSFC). It was concluded that 50% groundnut cake protein could be replaced by DSFC protein in crossbred cattle.