Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary and Animal Science, G. B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand-263145, India
Four rations having mustard straw and green oats in the ratio of 50:50 (T1), 60:40 T2, 70:30 (T3) and 80:20 (T4) respectively (on fresh basis) were fed to sixteen crossbred calves (B.wt. 79.00 kg) divided into 4 groups of 4 each in a completely randomized block design for a period of 30 days. At the end of feeding trial a digestibility trial was carried out. The DM, cellulose and lignin increased from T1 to T4. The OM for all treatments was found similar whereas CP content was decreased from T1 to T4. T1 showed lower NDF and ADF values. Intake of different nutrients was significantly higher (P<0.05) in T1 and lower in T4. ADF and cellulose intake were similar among the treatments. The digestibility of nutrients was also higher in T1 and lower in T4. Intake of DDM, DOM, DCP and TDN was significantly higher (P<0.05) in T1 and lower in T4, both in terms of g/d and g/kg W0.75. It can be concluded that mustard straw and green oat fodder at 50:50 level is better in terms of composition, intake and digestibility of nutrients in crossbred calves.
Mustard straw, Oat fodder, Calves, Nutrients intake and digestibility
