Nine male buffalo calves (one year old; 270 ± 20.8 kg body weight) were randomly divided into three groups. Animals of each groups were offered total mixed rations with 60:40 concentrate to roughage ratio. The roughage used, for different TMRs, was berseen hay (TMR1), shaffal hay (TMR2) or subabul foliage hay (TMR3), The DMI as percent of live weight was similar in all groups. The digestibility of DM, CF and NFE was comparable between TMR1 and TMR2, but significantly (P<0.05) higher than TMR3. Whereas the digestibility of CP was significantly (P<0.05) higher for TMR1 than that of TMR2 and TMR3. The animals in each group were in positive nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus balance. The retention of N and Ca was comparable in animals fed TMR1 or TMR2, but significantly (P<0.05) higher than animals fed TMR3. The DCP and TDN contents of TMR1 were significantly (P<0.05) higher than TMR2 and TMR3. It could be concluded that the leguminous fodders (berseem and shaftal) hay based TMR were better than subabul foliage hay based TMR in terms of energy, protein and voluntary DM intake.
Total mixed ration, Berseem, Shaftal, Subabul foliage hay
