INFLUENCE OF SUBSTITUTION OF CONCENTRATE WITH MOLASSES AND CORN STEEP LIQUOR ON NUTRIENT INTAKE, WEIGHT GAIN AND FEED CONVERSION EFFICIENCY OF BUFFALO CALVES - T. Nasir A.; M. Sarwar; F. Ahmad; M. A. Tipu; I. Hussain (Journal of Animal and Plant Sciences, 2012)
The objective of the present research study was to explore the effects of substitution of molasses and corn steep liquor with concentrate on nutrient intake and growth performance of buffalo calves. The null hypothesis was that molasses and corn steep liquor can replace a considerable amount of concentrate without adversely affecting intake and growth of buffalo calves. Thirty two (32) male buffalo calves at 12 to 18 month of age and weight (average 150kg) were divided into 4 groups according to Completely Randomized Design for this study. Four iso-nitrogenous and iso-caloric experimental diets were formulated. Control diet contained 37% maize fodder, 28% wheat straw and 35% concentrate on dry matter (DM) basis. Other two rations A and B were formulated to replace 42% of concentrate with molasses or CSL on energy equivalent basis. In the fourth diet (C) 42% of concentrate was replaced by molasses and CSL in the ratio of 50:50. The animals were fed individually at ad libitum intakes for 90 days. Feed offered and refusals were recorded daily and composited for analysis. During last week of the study, a digestibility trial was conducted; acid insoluble ash was used as digestibility marker. Intake of DM (kg/day) was higher (p<0.05) in buffalo calves fed control (5.93) followed by B, C and A (5.65, 5.59 and 5.34) diets However, non-significant differences in nutrient intake were observed in buffalo calves fed B and C diets. Digestible DM and CP intakes were similar in all treatments while NDF intakes were significantly (p<0.05) higher in buffalo calves fed control diet than those fed A, B and C diets. Daily gain in weight was higher (p<0.05) in buffalo calves fed B and C (770 and 750 g/day) diets than those fed control (620 g/day) and A (560 g/day) diets (Table 5). Daily weight gain remained unaltered statistically between animals fed B and C diets. The improved body weight gain of buffalo calves fed CSL and molasses plus CSL diets could be attributed to intake of more digestible nutrients. It is, therefore, concluded that CSL and molasses plus CSL could successfully replace concentrate portion of the ruminant’s feed thereby reducing cost of production.
Keywords: journal article; Concentrate; molasses; corn steep liquor; nutrient intake; digestion; buffalo calves