Effect of Cotton Seed Extraction Based Concentrate Feed on Performance of Crossbred Calves

Eighteen female crossbred (HF x Jersey) calves (4 to 15 months age and 60 to 210 kg B.wt) divided into three equal groups, were fed on concentrate mixture containing groundnut extraction (GNE) and sunflower extraction (SEE) as proteta source (T₀), 15% cotton seed extraction (CSE) containing 0.0065% free-gossypol replacing GNE and SEE (T₁) and 30% CSE replacing GNE and SEE (T₂). Average dry matter Intake and daily body weight gain in groups T₀, T, and T₂ were 4.88±0.16, 4.74±0.34 and 4.93±©.l7 kg/d; 0.397*6.04,0.387±0.02 and 0,488±0.02 kg/d, respectively and variations among groups were non-signiflcant. Digestibility coefficients nutrients and N-balance also did not vary significantly among the groups. Incorporation of CSE at 30% level saved Rs.10.21 per kg gain In comparison to other treatments, without any adverse effect. Study Inferred the inclusion of CSE at 30% in the concentrate feed for dairy calves.