A growth experiment of 40 weeks duration was carried out on 18 crossbred (Jersey × Kankrej and HF × Kankrej) calves randomly allotted to three groups of 6 each viz. Complete feed based on wheat straw (30%) and conventional ingredients (WSBCF), Complete feed based on sugarcane bagasse (30%) and non conventional ingredients (SBBCF) and Conventional system of feeding (Control). Average daily gain was 418, 477 and 473 g in WSBCF, SBBCF and control groups, respectively, with non significant treatment differences. Average daily intake of DM (kg) and DMI (% of body weight) were similar among the treatments. The digestibility coefficients of DM, EE and CF were similar among the groups, how ever, CP and NFE digestibility were higher (P<0.01) in control than WSBCF and SBBCF groups. The intake of CP, DCP and TDN were similar in WSBCF and SBBCF but TDN intake was more in control. The protein utilization efficiency was higher (P<0.05) in SBBCF while energy utilization efficiency was higher (P<0.01) in both the complete feed groups. The calves under all the groups were on recommended plane of nutrition. The balances on nitrogen, phosphorus and calcium were positive in all the groups. The SRL TVFA, NPN and ammonia nitrogen content were higher (P<0.01) in rumen liquor of animals than in that of other two groups. The cost of feed per kg weight gain was lower by 33 and 38% in SBBCF group over control and WSBCF group, respectively. It may be concluded that growing crossbred calves can be economically reared on complete feed with 30% sugarcane baggase and non conventional feeds.
Complete feed, Sugarcane bagasse, Non conventional feeds, Calf, Growth
