Evaluation of Molasses Based Biomethanated Distillery Spent Wash as an Alternative Feed for Growing Cattle

Eighteen growing Hariana female calves were randomly allocated into three groups of 6 animals each in a randomized block design to evaluate the molasses based biomethanated distillery spent wash (BDS) as an alternative energy feed substitute in heifers. Feeding regimen was similar in all groups except heifers in treatment groups were fed on compounded concentrate mixture, of which 10 and 20% barley grains were replaced with BDS. Results revealed that DM intake of heifers were not affected by dietary replacement of barley grain with BDS, but the average daily gain (ADG) was greater (P<0.05) for heifers fed 10% BDS diet. The digestibility of nutrients and the levels of blood constituents (haemoglobin, alanine amino transferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, cholesterol, triglycerides and creatinine) were similar in three groups. The plasma urea nitrogen concentration decreased (P<0.05) when the heifers were offered diets with the increasing levels of BDS. However, plasma total protein, albumin and glucose concentration were higher (P<0.05) in BDS supplemented heifers. No impact on plasma calcium, antioxidant status and non-esterified fatty acids was observed during experimental period. Nevertheless, replacement of 10 and 20% barley grains with BDS significantly (P<0.05) increased plasma levels of phosphorus and total immunoglobulins. This study demonstrated that 10% of energy ingredient (barley) in compounded concentrate mixture can be replaced with BDS in heifers without any adverse effect on performance.