Vol. 9, Issue 6, Part H (2024)

Author(s): RS Korade, US Gaikwad, PS Bansode, SV Shingade and VD Borkar

Abstract: A total selected 20 Gir crossbreed calves (Age ranging from 15 to 20 day) were allotted into different treatments. Selected calves were distributed into four groups included five calves in each group. Milk were offered at the rate of 1/10th of body weight for 1-6 weeks, 1/15th of body weight for 7-8 weeks and 1/20th of body weight for 9-12 weeks of age. Group T₀ calves were provided only milk from the cows and T₁, T₂ and T₃ were provided milk up to 8^th, 6^th and 4^th weeks and thereafter calf starter for the remaining experimental period upto 12^th week. The treatments consisted of: T₀ (fed milk upto 12 weeks + green fodder), T₁ (fed milk up to 8 weeks and calf starter from 9-12 weeks + green fodder), T₂ (fed milk up to 6 weeks and calf starter from 7-12 weeks + green fodder) and T₃ (fed milk up to 4 weeks and calf starter from 5-12 weeks + green fodder). Each group's daily feed consumption were recorded from mik, calf starter and green fodder. The calf starter and green fodder were analyzed for their proximate principles (AOAC 1995). Each calf receiving treatment weighted for its body weight weekly and an average daily growth rate was determined. Dry matter consumption and body weight increase were used to calculate the feed conversion efficiency. The results showed significant improvements in dry matter intake (DMI) in T₂ and T₃, with T₃ having the highest DMI. Body weight gain was significantly higher in T₃ (32.70 kg) compared to other treatments. Feed conversion efficiency was also improved in T₃, with a higher body weight gain per kg of dry matter consumed. The results showed significant improvements in growth performance, with average daily gains of 0.364 kg/day and total body weight gain of 32.70 kg in calves fed calf starter from 5 weeks onwards (T₃). Weekly body weight gain was 2.726 kg/week for T₃, surpassing other treatments.