Indian Journal of Animal Nutrition

Eighteen crossbred (Sahiwal x Jersey) female calves were divided in three equal groups. Groups T₁, T₂ and T₃ were fed on concentrate mixture of 22.5 percent CP and green oats, however, ration of groups T₂ and T₃ were supplemented with antibiotic (Kanamycin) and probiotic (Biovet YC) at the rate of 20 ppm/head/day and 5 g/head/day, respectively. The average daily body weight gain in groups T₁, T₂ and T₃ were 350.65±21.72,398.55±11.81 and 368.36±18.42 g; and feed conversion efficiency were 9.07±0.25, 8.45±0.16 and 8.91±0.35, respectively over a period of 138 days. The DM and CP digestibility coefficients were higher in groups T₂ and T₃ than in group T₁. The NDF and ADF digestibility were lower in groups T₂ than in groups T₁ and T₃. Thus, the feed additives Kanamycin and Biovet YC stimulate weight gain and improve feed conversion efficiency in crossbred calves.