Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairy Science, Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli-415712 (Maharashtra), India.
Online published on 21 January, 2012.
The use of Cliricidia metadata leaves in the ration of growing heifers (Jersey x Sindhi) was investigated. Fifteen heifers (9 to 14 months; average body weight 143 kg) were divided into three groups and fed rations containing fresh gliricidia leaves supplying 0, 25 and 50 percent of the CP requirement. Initially, fresh leaves were not relished by the heifers. Hence, pala-tability was improved by treating with jaggery solution. The digestibility coefficients, nutrient balances, DM intake and body weight gains did not differ significantly when gliricidia was fed at different levels. The cost of feeding heifers was Rs. 4.34 per day in the control group which reduced to Rs. 3.45 and 2.37 when gliricidia was included at the two levels.
