Growth of crossbred bulls affected by level of feed intake

To determine the effect of different levels of feed intake on the utilization of nutrients, 20 male crossbred (Holstein Friesian x Hariana) bulls (>1 yr age and 186.6±6.02 kg BW) were divided into 4 equal groups, following completely randomization design. The animals were fed a diet consisted of concentrate mixture and wheat straw (1:1 ratio) at four fixed levels i.e. 120% (V₁₂₀), 100% (V₁₀₀), 80% (V₈₀) and 60%) (V₆₀) of voluntary dry matter intake (VDMI) for 6 months. The DMI ranged from 3.29 kg/d in V₆₀ to 6.45 kg/d in V₁₂₀ and was different (P<0.01) among four groups. The digestibility of nutrients except that of CP was higher (P<0.05) at increased levels of feed intake. A significant (P<0.05) difference was observed with respect to nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus balances. The average daily gain was higher (P<0.05) in groups fed as per VDMI or 20%> above VDMI in comparison to group fed 40% less from VDMI. It was inferred that the nutrient digestibility and growth performance of crossbred bulls substantially decreased at 60% VDMI.