Evaluation of complete feed for meat production in calves

Abstract

An experiment was carried out in three months old crossbred calves with an aim to utilize male and surplus female calves for meat production. Eighteen crossbred calves were grouped into three, considering body weight, breed, sex and age. Animals of group A and B received complete feed consisting of a concentrate mixture and grass hay, with eight (Ration A) and twelve per cent crude fibre (Ration B) respectively, while the animals of group C received the conventional control ration consisting concentrate and green grass (Ration C). During the experimental period of five months fortnightly body weights and body measurements were recorded. The body weights and body measurements except chest girth showed significant increase (Pcomplete rations. The average daily body weight gain (AOG) showed significant increase (Pthose fed control ration while the cumulative feed conversion efficiency was significantly higher for group A (Pgroup C. The average daily body weight gain obtained in the experiment were 668.83 ± 22.37, 658.55 ± 35.41 and 497.83 ± 33.35 g/day and the cumulative feed conversion efficiency were 4.71 ± 0.15,5.57 ± 0.37 and 6.99 ± 0.42 for A, B and C groups respectively. The digestibility coefficients for dry matter and crude fibre were significantly higher (Pthose fed complete rations, while crude protein digestibility was lower for ration A (P<0.05) and ration B (P obtained were 50.80 ± 0.70, 51.30 ± 1.43 and 45.17 ± 1.25 with a meat yield of 34.60 ± 0.15, 35.30 ± 1.12 and 30.73 ± 1.24 for A, B and C groups respectively. The gross profit per animals for five months was calculated as Rs.1399.00, Rs.l550.00 and Rs.632.25 for A, Band C groups respectively.