Department of Animal Nutrition ond Forage, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana-141 004, India
*Present address; Scientist, KVK, NDRI, Kamal-132 001
Online published on 29 December, 2011.
Eighteen crossbred heifers (1 yr) were divided into three groups of six each. The protein and energy requirements of tlie heifers were met according to NRC1 in group T1, 20% above in group T2 and 40% above in groups T3. Other nutrients were also increased in a linear fashion. The actual intake of CP was higher and that of energy were lower than theoretical calculations. The daily body weight gains were 0.540, 0.630 and 0.700 kg/d in groups T1, T and T3, respectively. The digestibility of CP was not influenced even when CP intake was 44% more than the recommended level. The study has shown that to achieve higher growth rate in crossbred heifers, the CP and energy levels may have to be increased by 44 and 10% respectively than the NRC1 recommended levels.
Heifers, Protein level, Energyfevel, Growth
