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

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

Abstract: Twenty male Rathi calves (6-12 months) and average body weight (96 kg) were distributed by randomized block design on the basis of body weight into five groups of four animals in College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Bikaner (RAJUVAS). The animals in group T₁ (control) were fed 1.5 kg concentrate mixture (CP 20%), 2.5 kg groundnut straw and wheat straw ad lib. In group T₂, 75% of CP was met through concentrate mixture (1.125 kg) and rest through hydroponic maize fodder (2.63 kg) along with 2.5 kg groundnut straw and ad lib. wheat straw was given. Whereas, in group T₃, 50% of CP was met through concentrate mixture (0.75 kg) and rest through hydroponic maize fodder (5.27 kg) and 2.5 kg of groundnut straw was given along with ad lib. wheat straw. In group T₄, 25% of CP was met through concentrate mixture (0.375 kg) and remaining by hydroponic maize fodder (7.9 kg) and 2.5 kg groundnut straw with ad lib. wheat straw was offered. In T₅ group, CP requirement was met through 10.54 kg hydroponic maize fodder and 2.5 kg groundnut straw along with wheat straw was given ad lib. Daily allowance of concentrate and roughage were offered to meet their nutrient requirements (ICAR, 1985). Haemato-biochemical parameters viz., Hb, PCV, blood glucose, blood urea nitrogen, total serum protein and serum creatinine were observed to be in the normal range and there was no significant difference among treatment groups. The results indicated that hydroponics fodder in Rathi calves have no adverse effect over haemato-biochemical constituents.