DefinePK hosts the largest index of Pakistani journals, research articles, news headlines, and videos. It also offers chapter-level book search.
Title: EFFECT OF DIFFERENT PLANS OF NUTRITION ON GROWTH, FEED EFFICIENCY, BLOOD METABOLITES AND RELATIVE ECONOMICS IN SAHIWAL HEIFERS
Authors: F. Ahmad
Journal: Pakistan Journal of Science (PJS)
Publisher: Advance Educational Institute & Research Centre
Country: Pakistan
Year: 2022
Volume: 74
Issue: 2
Language: English
Keywords: Sahiwal HeiferSilageGrowth PerformanceDigestibilityBlood Metabolites and Total Mixed Ration.
This trial was designed with the objectives to select best and economical feedingstrategies to accelerate growth pattern for reducing age at maturity in buffalo heifers. Twenty Sahiwalheifers (Age = 24 ± 2-month and wt. = 200 ± 30 kg) were divided into four equal groups(n-5) on thebasis completely randomized design, Control group (D) of heifers was fed on green fodder only and noration was offered while test diets were comprised on TMR based on wheat straw (A), fodder(B) andsilage(C) with crude protein 10-11 percent. Feed intake of each experimental animal were recordeddaily. Animals were weighed at the start of experiment and fortnightly thereafter. Animals of group Cgained higher body weight (averaged 580 grams daily) comparing with other groups while animals ofgroup (D)fed on fodder only yielded very poorly growth. Dry Matter Intakes of all groups were similarand there was no effect of treatment of different plans of diet fed to animals. Dry matter, Crude proteinand crude fiber digestibility values were higher in animals fed total mixed ration based on corn silageand dry ration as compared to those fed other diets. Blood urea nitrogen values were higher in group Afed on TMR wheat straw based diet while blood glucose values were higher in animals of group B andC fed corn silage or green fodder based diet as indicator for availability of nutrients for growth.
To select the best and most economical feeding strategies to accelerate growth in Sahiwal heifers, thereby reducing their age at maturity.
Twenty Sahiwal heifers were divided into four equal groups (n=5). Group D (control) was fed green fodder only. Groups A, B, and C were fed Total Mixed Rations (TMR) based on wheat straw, fodder, and silage, respectively, with 10-11% crude protein. Feed intake was recorded daily, and animals were weighed fortnightly. Digestibility trials were conducted, and blood samples were collected for analysis of blood urea nitrogen and blood glucose. Economic analysis was also performed.
graph TD
A[Select 20 Sahiwal Heifers] --> B[Divide into 4 groups: A, B, C, D];
B --> C[Assign Diets: A-TMR Wheat Straw, B-TMR Fodder, C-TMR Silage, D-Control];
C --> D[Feed Animals & Record Daily Intake];
D --> E[Weigh Animals Fortnightly];
E --> F[Conduct Digestibility Trials];
F --> G[Collect Blood Samples for Metabolites];
G --> H[Analyze Data: Growth, Digestibility, Metabolites, Economics];
H --> I[Draw Conclusions];
The study suggests that feeding strategies significantly impact heifer growth and metabolic profiles. The silage-based diet (Group C) promoted superior growth, likely due to better nutrient availability. While dry matter intake was not significantly affected, digestibility varied, with TMR diets showing better nutrient utilization. Blood metabolites indicated differences in protein and energy metabolism. Economically, a balance between feed cost and growth performance is crucial, with diet B proving most profitable.
- Group C heifers fed a silage-based TMR showed the highest daily body weight gain (580 grams).
- Dry Matter Intakes were similar across all groups, with no significant effect of diet treatments.
- Dry matter, crude protein, and crude fiber digestibility were higher in animals fed TMR based on corn silage and dry ration compared to other diets.
- Blood urea nitrogen was higher in the wheat straw-based TMR group (A).
- Blood glucose values were higher in groups B and C (corn silage or green fodder-based diets).
- Economically, diet B (green fodder and heifer ration) yielded the highest profit per kg of body weight increase.
Feeding strategies involving Total Mixed Rations, particularly those incorporating corn silage or a combination of green fodder and heifer ration, can effectively accelerate growth and improve the economic returns in Sahiwal heifers. Further research is recommended for other livestock breeds.
- Number of heifers: 20 Sahiwal heifers were used in the study. (Confirmed in text)
- Age of heifers: Heifers were aged 24 ± 2 months at the start of the experiment. (Confirmed in text)
- Highest daily weight gain: Group C heifers gained an average of 580 grams daily. (Confirmed in text)
Loading PDF...
Loading Statistics...