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Compensatory growth and nutrient utilization in crossbred heifers during revival period fed urea molasses liquid diet |
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R. S. Dass, A. K. Verma, U. R. Mehra |
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| Abstract |
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Five crossbred heifers(Holstein Friesian 횞 Hariana) aged about one year and average body weight 157.0 kg were used to observe the effect of UMLD with restricted amount of wheat straw(500 g/100 kg body weight) on body weight gain and nutrient utilization. After seven months feeding the animals were switched to a revival diet consisted of wheat straw and cconcentrate mixture, for an additional six months. Fortnightly body weights were recorded and metabolism trials were conducted at the end of the two experimental periods. Results indicated that the average daily gain were 57.0 and 413.3 g in two feeding systems. This showed a sub-optimum growth during UMLD feeding which was compensated when good quality revival diet was available. Though, the nutrients intake were significantly(p<0.01) lower in UMLD feeding period as compared to revival diet feeding , but digestibility of all the nutrients were alike statistically. It can be concluded that UMLD with restricted amount of wheat straw can be fed as scarcity feed for a short period, without causing irreparable loss to the animals, provided sufficient feed nutrients are available after the scarcity period. |
| Keywords:
Urea Molasses Liquid Diet; UMLD; Crossbred Heifers; Compensatory Growth |
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