Vol. 9, Issue 1, Part H (2024)

Author(s): Dr. Rupal Dadhich and Dr. RK Dhuria

Abstract: In order to study the effect of feeding hydroponics maize fodder on balances of nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus, twenty Rathi calves were equally distributed in five groups of age (6 - 12 month) and average body weight (96 kg). The feeding trial was conducted for 30 days followed by 7 days of metabolism trial in College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Bikaner (RAJUVAS). In group T₁ (control), T₂, T₃ & T₄; 100%, 75%, 50%, 25% of CP requirement was met through concentrate mixture (20%); 1.5 kg, 1.125 kg, 0.75 kg, 0.375 kg respectively, rest through hydroponic maize fodder 2.63 kg, 5.27 kg, 7.9 kg, 10.54 kg in T₂, T_3, T₄ & T_5, respectively. In addition, all the animals were offered ad lib. wheat straw along with 2.5 kg groundnut straw. Non significant effect of hydroponics maize fodder on nitrogen intake, balance of nitrogen as as % of intake and % of absorbed was observed. Regarding balance of nitrogen as g/d significant (p<0.05) improvement was recorded on account of feeding hydroponics maize fodder. Similarly, all the animals subjected to experiment were in positive calcium and phosphorus balance and non significant effect in terms of intake, balance and % of intake and % of absorbed was observed.