Influence of Partial Replacement of Concentrate Mixture with Stylo Meal on Feed Intake, Nutrient Utilization and Growth Performance in Crossbred Heifers

Fifteen growing crossbred female calves (BW=143.26±8.22 kg; age=12- 15 months) were randomly divided into three groups of five animals each to investigate the effect of replacing concentrate mixture with stylo meal on feed intake, nutrient utilization and growth performance. The animals of control group (T₁) were fed wheat straw and concentrate as per requirements while in groups T₂ and T₃, 50% of CP in concentrate mixture was replaced with stylo meal prepared from Stylosanthes hamata and Stylosanthes seabrana, respectively. All the animals were under this feeding regime for a period of 90 days. Average DM intake was 5.38, 5.06 and 4.86 kg/d in groups T₁, T₂ and T₃, respectively which was similar in all the groups. Digestibility coefficients of DM, OM and CP were also similar in all 3 groups, however, NDF digestibility was higher (P<0.05) in T₂ and T₃ as compared to T₁ group. DCP and TDN intakes were sufficient for daily gain of 500g in all the groups. N balance and daily live weight gain was also similar in all the groups. It was concluded that 50% of CP in concentrate mixture could be replaced with stylo meal prepared from either S. hamata or S. seabrana in the rations of growing crossbred heifers.