Performance evaluation of crossbred cattle fed treated leftover feed

Left over feed is still an unnoticed problem at organized dairy farms which often leads to considerable economic losses. This study was done to assess the feasibility of treated left over feed and performance of crossbred dairy cattle for a period of 150 days during winter and spring seasons.

24 healthy crossbred (Vrindavani) animals (8-12 months of age) were randomly selected to four different groups viz. Group-1 (Gr-1): 100% treated leftover feed; Group-2 (Gr-2): 75% treated feed; Group-3 (Gr-3): 50% treated feed and Group-4 (Gr-4) or Control: 100% green fodder. The leftover feed F-1, F-2, F-3, F-4, F-5 and F-6 were treated with combination of 1% urea+5% molasses+0.5% salt, 1% urea+5% molasses+1% salt, 1% urea+10% molasses+0.5% salt, 1% urea+10% molasses+1% salt, 5% molasses+0.5% salt and 10% molasses+0.5% salt, respectively. Each feed was offered for a period of one month to each group and animals were rearranged after every trial. Adjustment period of one week was given after every treatment.

The palatability score was found significantly (P<0.05) higher in Gr-1 than other treatment groups. The Gr-3 animals had equivalent palatability and weight gain in compared with control group. The average feeding cost per animal at farm was 80Rs. under normal circumstances. Analyzed data revealed that feeding cost was reduced significantly in Gr-1, Gr-2 and Gr-3 respectively. It can be concluded that the leftover feed can efficiently and economically be utilized for feeding to various classes of dairy animals under farm conditions and provide a better option during the scarcity period.