Voluntary Feed Intake, D1Gesibility and Utilization of Macro-and Micro-Elements in Dry and Pregnant Camels

Nine adult Bikaneri female camels maintained on dry moth chara (Phaseolus aconitifolius) were equally divided into 3 groups of 3 each viz., dry camels (I), in first pregnancy (II) and in fourth pregnancy (III). All the pregnant camels were given 2 kg concentrate mixture in addition to ad libitum moth chara for a period of 130 d. The average daily gain (ADG) of 276.93±16.31, 631.73±19.49 and 967.30±14.85 g was recorded (P<0.01) to groups 1, II and III, respectively. The digestibility coefficients of proximate components except CP and EE did not differ significantly. Higher (P<0.01) DCP intake (g/kg W^0.75) was observed in groups II (6.30) and III (5.47) as compared to group I (3.27). The apparent absorption of Na, K, Ca, Fe, Zn and Mn did not differ among the groups. Phosphorus absorption (%) was significantly (P<0.05) higher in groups II (37.34) and III (42.20) as compared to group I (17.35). Mg absorption tended to decrease from group I to II and became negative in group III Serum levels of Ca and P were significantly (P<0.01) lower In group III than in other groups. The results indicated that pregnant camels required 134–137% higher DCP, 66-72% higher ME compared to dry camels.