A study was conducted to investigate the effect of different levels of metabolizable protein (MP) in total mixed rations (TMRs) on growth parameters and nutrient utilization in Sahiwal calves. Fifteen male Sahiwal calves were distributed randomly into 3 groups of 5 animals each based on their body weight and age (12-18 months). Animals were fed on isocaloric rations with different levels of MP viz., 8.69% (T1), 7.94% (T2) and 9.28% (T3) for 3 months. A metabolic trial was conducted to observe the effect of graded levels of MP on their nutrient utilization. OM intake (g/100 kg BW/day) in T1 and T2 differed significantly from T3 (P < 0.05). The DM, OM, NDF and ADF digestibility were similar in all three groups while that of CP was lower in T2 than T 3 (P<0.01). All the groups were in positive N balance and TDN % in the rations was similar in all the groups. Average daily gain and feed conversion ratio were found to be similar in all the three groups. The optimal dietary MP level was found to be 7.94% to support average gain of about 800 g/d.
Growth performance, Metabolisable protein, Nutrient utilization, Sahiwal calves, Total mixed rations
