Effect of Feeding Maize and Cowpea Mixed Fodder on Growth and Nutrient Utilization in Crossbred Calves

Five crossbred (Jersey x Tharparkar) calves ofage20.2±0.37months were fed ad lib, maize and cowpea green fodder mixed in the ratio 50:50 (w/w) for 50 days. Average daily gain in body weight were 480±59.66 g. The DM intake per 100kg body weight was 2.24±0.05kg. Chemical composition of the fodder mixture was: OM 91.95; CP 14.07; EE 1.96; CF 31.20; NFE 44.72; Total ash 8.05; Ca 0.91 and P 0.91 per cent on DM basis. The digestibility coefficients were: OM 64.41±1.12; CP 64.95±1.13; EE 56.69±2.04; CF 59.19±1.82; NFE 67.96±1.02. DCP and TDN of the mixed fodder was 9.91±0.21 and 60.56±1.08 percent, respectively on DM basis. Nitrogen, Calcium and Phosphorus balances (g/day) were 22.76±3.13, 7.74±1.40 and 0.64±0.37 respectively. Feed cost was Rs. 3.74±0.21/calf/day and Rs. 8.18±0.83/kg body weight gain. Feed DM(kg) required per kg gain in body weight was 9.32±1.33.