Indian Journal of Animal Nutrition

Spreng (Eupatoriam adenophorum) a common crofton weed in North-Eastern region was chopped and treated with 1% NaOH for feeding to crossbred calves in comparison to the water washed Bipatorium. In the control group, calves were offered green grass and in two treatment groups water and alkali treated Eupatorium. The DM intake of water washed Bipatorium was higher (P<0.01) than that treated with alkali. Digestibilities of CF and NFE were also higher in water washed group. Eupatorium feeding affected TDN intake more severely. DM intake was reduced and growth rate was adversely affected. Growth rate on feeding water washed Eupatorium was only 29% of the standard growth rate achieved on feeding concentrate and green grass based ration. In early stages, anorexia, suspension of rumination and photosensitization were observed which subsided in 30 to 60 days of adaptation. Enpatorium may serve as scarcity roughage.