Utilization of Green Poplar (Populus deltoides) Leaves in Ration of Murrah Buffalo Calves

Eighteen growing female Murrah buffalo calves (6–7 m, 95 to 108 kg b.wt.) distributed into three groups were fed individually for a period of 180 days on a conventional ration of wheat straw, green sorghum and concentrate mixture (T₀) and the ration in which 25 per cent (T₁) and 50 per cent (T₂) concentrate protein was replaced by inclusion of green poplar leaves. Total dry matter intake as well as dry matter intake per 100 kg body weight was not affected by inclusion of poplar leaves. Digestibility of crude protein and ether extract was significantly (P<0.05) lower in T₂ as compared to T₀, ADF and cellulose digestibility was higher (P<0.05) in T₂ in comparison to T₀, Body weight gains were similar in different groups as 603.3,604.2 and 577.8 g/day under T₀, T, and T₂, respectively. The DCP and TDN intake per kg gain remained similar by inclusion of poplar leaves. The results indicate that green poplar leaves can be successfully incorporated in rations of growing buffalo calves without affecting their growth and nutrient utilization.