Effect of Feeding Different Levels of Green Maize on the Performance of Heifers

Sixteen crossbred heifers were divided on the basis of body weight and age into four groups of 4 each and randomly allotted to four dietary treatments viz. T₁: 0 kg maize green fodder, T₂: 5 kg maize green fodder, T₃: 10 kg maize green fodder, and T₄: 15 kg maize green fodder supplementation with wheat straw (Triticum aestivum) ad lib. and concentrate mixture as per requirement. Daily DMI was significantly higher (P<0.05) in T₄ as compared to T₂ and T₁ groups. The DMI per kg metabolic body size was significantly (P<0.05) higher in T₄ and T₃ as compared to T₁ group. Non-significant differences were observed among groups for daily CP/DCP intake. Daily TDN intake was higher (P<0.05) in T₄ as compared to T₃, T₂, T₁ groups. The differences among groups for digestibility of DM, OM, CP, CF and EE were non-significant. However, NFE digestibility was significantly higher (P<0.05) in T₄ (65.68%) as compared to T₂ (59.01%) and T₁ (59.88%) groups. Average body weight gain (g/d) was 641.67, 683.33, 691.67 and 716.67 in groups T, T, T and T, respectively and differed significantly (P<0.05). Animals under group Tfed 15 kg green maize per day, recorded 11.69 per cent higher growth over the group (T₁) fed no green maize. The cost of feeding per kg live weight gain was lower in T₄ (Rs 24.90) followed by T₃ (Rs. 29.07), T₂ (Rs. 35.02) and T₁ (Rs. 39.53) indicating live weight gain was cheaper by Rs. 14.63 in 15 kg green maize fed group (T₄) than in the control group. Hence, growing crossbred heifers can be efficiently raised on feeding green maize in the diet as evident from faster growth rate and better-feed conversion efficiency.