Nutritional utilization of fodder based total mixed ration by buffalo calves

Nine male buffalo calves (12-18m, average b.wt 265kg) were randomly divided into three groups of three each and fed fodder based total mixed rations (60:40 R:C) TMR I (berseem), TMR II (shaftal), and TMR III (subabul foliage) for a period of 18 days. Thereafter a metabolic trial was conducted for seven days. The DM intake percent live weight was similar on all the three groups. The digestibility coefficients of DM, CP in group I and II were similar and were significantly (P=0.05) higher than group III. The CF digestibility was similar between group I & II and group II & III but significantly lower in group II & III. All the animals in three groups were on positive nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus balance. The DCP percentage of the total mixed ration I (14.2±0.1) was significantly higher than II (13.5±0.05) and III (13.2+0.26). The TDN of all the total mixed rations was similar. It can be concluded that the leguminous fodders (berseem and shaftal) based total mixed rations were found better than subabul foliage based total mixed ration. The DCP and TDN level were within the recommended levels of NRC (1989) for medium producer milch cattle.