Journal of Hill Agriculture

  • Year: 2014
  • Volume: 5
  • Issue: 2

Feeding behaviour of Murrah buffalo calves under different housing systems

1Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Dhanauri, Haridwar, Uttarakhand – 247 667, India

2Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Dhakrani, Dehradun, Uttarakhand – 248 142, India

3Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Jakhdhar, Distt Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand – 246 439, India

Abstract

The study was conducted on nutrient and water intake in Murrah buffalo calves for period of 190 days to find out the different feeding regimes on sixteen Murrah buffalo calves of pre-ruminant age i.e. 20 days age group, were divided into four groups i.e. T1 and T2 animals fed (individually), where as T3 and T4 animals fed to 100% and 120% ICAR recommended level of nutrients, respectively. Along with reared in individual and group feeding system. There were four animals in each treatment group. The feeds and fodders available were concentrate mixture, berseem, sorghum, mustard and sugarcane top. The average daily DM, CP and TDN intake per 100 kg body weight and per kg W0.75 were significant (P<0.05) between levels of feeding. The differences for these parameters between rearing systems were found nonsignificant. Average daily voluntary water intake and total water intake were significantly (P<0.05) influenced by levels of feeding.

Keywords

Nutrient, feeding regimes, buffalo calves, housing systems