Effect of Phase Feeding on Growth, Body Measurements and Body Condition Score in Growing Crossbred Female Calves

Sixteen crossbred female calves (9–12 months age) were divided into 2 equal groups and fed rations in 2 phases. During phase-1, both the groups of calves were fed moderate energy ration (58% TDN and 15% CP) as complete feed prepared with mixed green fodder and concentrate mixture (70% TDN and 20% CP). During phase-2, calves in group I were continued on moderate energy ration whereas those in group II were provided with high energy ration (62% TDN and 15% CP) consisting of concentrate mixture 2 (72% TDN, 20% CP) and mixed green fodder. The experimental feeding lasted for 120 days (60 days in each phase). Feeding during the phase-1 did not affect body weight whereas during phase-2, a significant (P<0.05) increase in body weight was recorded in calves fed on high energy ration. Body measurements were not influenced by moderate energy ration during phase 1. Significant increase (P<0.05) in all parameters of body measurements viz. body length, chest girth, abdominal girth, height at withers, height at hook bone, height at pin bone etc. was found in calves fed on high energy ration during phase 2. Similarly, phase 1 feeding in female crossbred calves did not affect body condition score but during phase 2 significant increase in body condition score was observed due to feeding of high energy ration. It was concluded that phase feeding with high concentration of energy during later period of growth increases body weight gain when moderate energy ration (58% TDN and 15% CP) was fed during 0–60 days (phase 1) followed by high energy ration (62% TDN and 15% CP) during 60–120 days (phase 2) in crossbred calves.