Effect of replacement of dicalcium phosphate with diammonium phosphate on plasma minerals profile in crossbred calves

Effect of replacement of dicalcium phosphate (DCP) with diammonium phosphate (DAP) in mineral mixture on plasma mineral profile of crossbred calves was assessed. Eighteen growing crossbred calves (Karan Fries) divided into three equal groups were fed as per NRC (2001) feeding standard. The mineral mixture included in the concentrate mixture of group G1 calves contained 60% DCP to fulfill Ca and P requirements, whereas, DCP was replaced by 50 and 100% DAP in the mineral mixture of groups G2 and G3, there was no effect observed on plasma Ca (9.67± 0.32, 9.94 ± 2.91and 9.98 ± 0.79 mg/dl), P (4.80 ± 0.14, 4.87 ± 0.28 and 5.33 ± 0.28 mg/dl) and Mg (2.13 ± 0.35, 2.21 ± 0.0.28 and 2.03 ± 0.20 mg/dl) levels. There was also no effect observed on the levels of Zn, Cu and Mn due to dietary treatments. The results revealed that Ca and P balance remained unaffected irrespective of P source. However, the feed cost per kg body weight gain was reduced in the G2 and G3 group; it was Rs. 89.69, 86.32 and 87.07 in the three respective groups. Thus, it was inferred that DAP can safely and completely replace DCP in the mineral mixture of crossbred calves for six months.