Title: Effect of feeding minerals supplementation on growth performance and nutrient utilization in Gir calves: A comparative research study

Authors: P Yadav, Sheela Choudhary, Neetu Arora, MK Yadav, A Kumawat and SD Choudhary

Source: Ruminant Science (2017)-6(2):341-344.

Cite this reference as: Yadav P, Choudhary Sheela, Arora Neetu, Yadav MK, Kumawat A and Choudhary SD (2017). Effect of feeding minerals supplementation on growth performance and nutrient utilization in Gir calves: A comparative research study. Ruminant Science 6(2):341-344.

Abstract

To analyze the effect of mineral supplementation on growth and nutrient utilization in Gir calves, twelve male Gir calves (10-16 months age; 111.20 kg average BW) were divided into two groups. Group-1 (G-I) was unsupplemented control, whereas group-2 (G-II) was supplemented with mineral mixture containing all important trace minerals, including Ca, P, Na, Cl, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Co, K and I for three months. Growth parameters were measured at fortnightly interval. Average daily body weight gain was highly significant in G-II (545.27g) than in G-I (345.53g). Body length gain remained unaffected, whereas the difference in the increase in heights (2.26±0.19″ in G-I, 4.50±0.40″ in G-II) and chest girth (4.73±0.40″ in G-I and 6.83±0.71 in G-II) was considerably higher. Digestibility of DM, OM, CP and CF was highly improved (P<0.01) and effect on digestibility of NDF was improved, but at a lesser level of significance (P<0.05) in supplemented group but there was no considerable difference in the digestibility of EE, NFE and ADF between two groups. Feed conversion efficiency was about 27% higher in G-II compared to GI. It is concluded that mineral supplementation is necessary for optimum growth and better feed utilization in Gir calves.

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