Effect of feeding levels and management systems on growth performance of buffalo calves

Twenty female buffalo calves of 6–10 months of age were divided into four groups of five calves each on the basis of nearness in their body weight and age. They were randomly allotted to one of the following treatments: 100 per cent ICAR feeding and routine management (T₁), 100 per cent ICAR feeding and improved management (T₂), 120 per cent ICAR feeding and routine management (T₃) and 120 per cent ICAR feeding and improved management (T₄). Feed conversion efficiency was significantly (P<0.05) higher in 120 per cent ICAR feeding and improved management group because these calves required less nutrients as compared to other groups. Feeding with higher plane of nutrition reflected significant (P<0.05) increase in body weight gain (460g/day) as compared to normal level of feeding (340 g/day). The calves under improved management gained significantly (P<0.05) more (440g/day) than those reared under routine management (360d/day). The effects of treatments on body measurements (body length, height, heart girth and abdominal girth) of calves were not significant. The cost of raising a calf was lowest in 120 per cent ICAR feeding (Rs. 27.00) and improved management (Rs. 28.00) than normal ICAR feeding (Rs. 33.45) and routine managed (Rs. 31.80) calves.