Effect of Fortified Soymilk as Partial Milk Replacer on Performance and Feeding Economics of Murrah Buffalo Calves

The present study was conducted to study the effect of fortified soymilk as milk replacer on growth performance and feeding economics of Murrah buffalo calves. Twenty four Murrah buffalo calves of (5 days age) were randomly distributed to four dietary treatment groups (T₁, T₂, T₃ and T₄). T₁ was control group in which calves were reared on buffalo milk only. In T₂ and T₃ groups calves were fed with buffalo milk and soymilk fortified with vitamins and minerals in the ratio 40: 60 and 20: 80 respectively. Group T₄ was same as T₃ except that in this group fortified soymilk was again supplemented with enzymes (proteinase + xylanase + pectinase). Fortnightly body weight (kg) and average daily weight gain (g/d) of the calves were found statistically similar among different dietary treatments groups. Overall dry matter intake (g/d) was significantly (P<0.05) higher in calves of control group as compared to other groups. Minimum feed cost per kg weight gain was observed in T₄ group. The present study revealed that up to 80% buffalo milk can be replaced by soymilk fortified with vitamins, minerals and enzymes as economical substitute in buffalo calf feeding without any adverse effect on their performance.