Nutrient Utilization as Influenced by Dietary Supplementaton Of Buffer in Crossbred Calves

Twelve crossbred calves (131-221days; 57.5–93.9kg b.wt.), divided into 4 groups of 3 each, were fed on mixed green grass, wheat straw and concentrate mixture as per requirements. Buffer in the form of sodium bicarbonate and magnesium oxide (mixed in 2:1) was provided @ 0.00 (T1), 0.75 (T2), 1.50 (T3) and 2.25 (T4)% of assumed DMI (4% of b.wt.) A metabolic trial for 7 days was conducted after 21days of preliminary adaptation. The animals on treatment T4 were died on 22nd day whereas those on treatment T3 within 8 & 9 weeks of the experiment showing acute bloat and sever diarrhoea. Intake of DDM, CP, DCP and DE were highest on treatment T2. The digestibility of CP and CF were higher on treatment T3 as compared to others. Metabolizability of N and energy were lowest on treatment T1 while intake of metabolizable CP and calories were highest on treatment T3. Nitrogen retention was higher on treatments T2 and T3. It was concluded that dietary addition of buffers increased protein and fibre and decreased calcium utilization in calves.