Effect of Replacing Dicalcium Phosphate with Diammonium Phosphate as a Phosphorus Source on Growth and Feed Utilization in Crossbred Calves

Effect of replacement of dicalcium phosphate (DCP) with diammonium phosphate (DAP) in the mineral mixture on growth and nutrient digestibility of cross bred calves was assessed. Eighteen growing crossbred calves (Karan Fries) were divided into three equal groups. The mineral mixture included in the concentrate mixture of group G₁ calves contained 60% DCP to fulfill Ca and P requirements, whereas, it was replaced by 50 and 100% by DAP in the mineral mixtures of groups G₂ and G₃. The average dry matter, CP and TDN intakes were similar in all the groups throughout the experimental period of 180 days. Average daily gain in body weight during the entire experiment was 382.46, 406.26 and 393.30 g in G₁, G₂ and G₃, respectively which was similar in all the three groups. Digestibility of DM, OM, CP, NDF and ADF was similar at 50 and 100% replacement of DCP with DAP in crossbred calves. The DM required per kg body weight gain was 7.46, 7.47 and 7.90 kg in G₁, G₂ and G₃, respectively. It was inferred that DAP can safely and completely replace DCP in the mineral mixture of crossbred calves for six months.