Nutritional Evaluation of Chicory, Berseem and Oats Fodders in Growing Buffalo Calves

Three fodders viz., berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum), oats (Avena sativa) and chicory (Chicorium intybus) were evaluated for their chemical composition and in vitro rumen fermentation parameters. Crude protein content of berseem (17.39%) was comparatively higher than that of chicory (15.76%) and oats (8.54%) fodders. Chicory had lower NDF (43.10%) than berseem (46%) and oats (51.03%) fodder. IVDMD of chicory (83.9%) was highest followed by berseem (78.4%) and oats (74.8%) fodder. In vitro CH₄ production (g/kg DM, g/kg IVDDM and g/kg IVDOM) differed significantly (P<0.05) among forages. CH₄ production was lowest from chicory (22.2, 28.3, 32.7) and highest from oats fodder (24.9, 34.5, 38.7). To assess fodders’ nutritive value, 15 buffalo calves (221±5.5 kg) divided into 3 groups, were fed berseem (G₁), oats (G₂) and chicory (G₃), respectively. Calves had similar DMI on all the 3 fodders. Calves had higher DMD for berseem (71.78%) and chicory (72.83%) than oats fodder (67.15%). CP and NDF digestibility (%) of chicory (70.55, 47.92) were less than that of berseem (72.84, 49.22), but more compared to oats (68.19, 45.71) fodder. Calves were in positive N balance in all the groups. The TDN values calculated from metabolism trial data were similar to values based on chemical composition (NRC, 2001). TDN (%) was higher for G₃ (67.57) followed by G₁ (63.5) and G₂ (61.03). DMI of chicory was similar to berseem and oats while nutrient digestibility was higher than oats.