Utilization of sugarcane tops in growing crossbred heifers

To study the effect of sugarcane tops (SCT) supplemented with oat or berseem on the voluntary intake and nutrient utilization. Crossbred heifers (16; 12–18 m old of 70 kg BW) divided into 4 equal groups were offered sugar cane tops either with green oats in 50:50 (T₁) or 75:25 (T₂) ratio or with green berseem in 50:50 (T₃) or 75:25 (T₄) ratio. The DMI and daily live weight gain was significantly (P<0.05) higher in T₃ than in T₂ and T₄. Digestibility of nutrient was highest tn T₃. Combination of berseem and SCT (50:50) gave the best results among all four combinations and 50% oat supplementation could be as good as 25% berseem with SCT.