Vol. 10, Special Issue 10 (2025)

A feeding trial was carried out for a period of 5 months to evaluate the effect of dietary inclusion of garden cress (GC) seeds in the ration on nutrient utilisation and haemato- biochemical parameters in crossbred heifer calves. Eighteen crossbred heifer calves of ten to twelve months of age were selected from University Livestock Farm and Fodder Research and Development Scheme (ULF & FRDS), Mannuthy and were divided into three groups of six animals each based on age and body weight. The animals were randomly allotted to three dietary treatments, T₁ (concentrate with 20 per cent CP and 70 per cent TDN), T₂ (T₁ containing 5 per cent GC seed) and T₃ (T₁ containing 10 per cent GC seed). Analysis of data obtained from the study revealed that the nutrient utilisation and haemato-biochemical parameters were similar between groups. Thus, it was determined that GC seeds can be safely incorporated up to 10 per cent in the ration of heifers without compromising the health and nutrient utilisation.