Energy Requirement for Growth Based on Estimates of Energy Losses in Cross-Bred Calves

Sixteen crossbred (Holstein Friesian X Sahiwal) growing young bulls were distributed into 4 groups of 4 each in a 2 X 2 factorial experiment of randomized block design. Young bulls in various groups were offered rations containing DCP and TDN in the ratio of 60:110, 60:130, 80:110 and 80:130% of their requirement. The estimated DE ranged from 56.58 to 61.18% and ME ranged from 46.82 to 50.48% of GE intake. The energy loss through urine and methane production were not affected significantly by the level of energy or protein in the diet, The energy requirement for the maintenance of cross-bred males were estimated by partitioning of DE and ME intake as 283.9 and 233.0 Kcal/kgW^0.75/day. ME and DE requirement for one kg live weight gain was estimated as 2.300 and 2.600 Meal respectively.