Effect of different dietary protein levels on feed intake and blood parameters profile in growing sahiwal calves

Feed intake and blood biochemical parameters were assessed in growing Sahiwal calves fed on total mixed rations (TMRs) containing three levels of proteins. 15 male calves of similar age and body weight were divided into three groups of 5 animals each and fed on isocaloric diets containing different protein levels of 15, 13.5 and 16.5% in groups T₁, T₂ and T₃, respectively. During 90 days of feeding, the blood samples were collected at an interval of 15 days to study haematological parameters and blood metabolites. DM intake was similar in all the groups. The values of various haematological parameters (haemoglobin, haematocrit, MCV, MCH, MCHC, RBC count, WBC count, granulocytes, lymphocytes and monocytes) and blood metabolites (blood glucose, blood urea nitrogen, total plasma proteins, immunoglobulins, albumin, globulin) were similar in all the 3 groups and were within normal physiological range. Therefore, a dietary level of 13.5% is sufficient to maintain blood parameters in the normal range.