Performance of crossbred heifers on paddy straw based complete feed

Three complete feeds viz. without Paddy straw (PS₀), 15 per cent Paddy straw (PS₁₅) and 30 per cent (PS₃₀) were evaluated on crossbred heifers (21, divided into 3 equal groups) through a growth trial for 70 days. The DM intake was 3.38, 3.33 and 3.42 kg/100 kg body weight. Significantly (P<0.05) higher average daily gain was observed in complete feed PS₁₅ than PS₀ and PS₃₀. The digestibility of nutrients except NEE were statistically similar in all the groups. All the animals were in positive N, Ca and P balances. The DCP content was similar in all the treatments, however the TDN was higher (P<0.05) in PS and PS than PS treatment The cost of feeds was Rs. 3.76, 3.58, 3.60 in PS₀, PS₁₅ and PS₃₀, respectively. The complete diets comprising of 15 per cent paddy straw (PS₁₅) supplemented with cereal bran, urea, jaggary could support optimum growth in crossbred heifers.