Effect of bypassing dietary fats from bio-hydrogenation on growth and nutrient utilization in heifers

The present study was conducted to assess the capability of dietary oils with high degree of unsaturation to act as “sinks” for absorption of bio-hydrogen of the rumen. Three fat capsules of different oils [soy (T1), sunflower (T2) and mustard (T3)] were fed to treatment groups along with control (T4). The total fat concentrations (mg/ml serum) were similar in all the treatment groups throughout the experiment. Per cent FFAs was higher in T₁ than in T₂ while T₃ and T₄ were similar. The iodine number was higher in T₁ and T₂ groups while T₃ and T₄ tended to similar. DMI (kg/day) was higher in T₄ followed by T₃, T₁ and T₂. Digestibility of crude protein differed significantly (P<0.5) and had influence on fiber digestibility. Average body weight gain tended to be higher in T₂, followed by T₁, T₃ and T₄ (lowest).