Effect of Feeding Bypass Protein Based Total Mixed Ration on Performance of Growing Crossbred Calves

Effect of feeding bypass protein based total mixed ration (TMR) having roughage to concentrate ratio of 50:50 was assessed on the growth of crossbred calves. Sixteen calves of similar body weight and age were randomly divided into two groups and fed on two dietary treatments for a period of 120 days. Control group (T₁) was fed on TMR having concentrate mixture without bypass protein source, whereas treatment group (T₂) was fed on similar TMR, but with the protein supplements (guar, rapeseed and groundnut) treated with formaldehyde (1% of CP content). The average daily gain was higher (P<0.05) in group T₂ than in group T₁. However, the gain in heart girth, body length and height were similar in both groups. Nutrients digestibility were also similar in both groups. During the digestion trial, intake of CP and TDN varied significantly (P<0.05) between the groups, however, cumulative intake of CP, TDN did not vary significantly between the groups. Feed conversion efficiency of DM and CP varied significantly between the groups. Feed cost was significantly higher (P<0.05) in group T₂ than in group T₁. It was concluded that inclusion of HCHO treated protein supplements in TMR, improved the growth and feed conversion efficiency without affecting nutrient utilization in crossbred cows.