National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS)
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PRINT ISSN : 2319-7692
Online ISSN : 2319-7706 Issues : 12 per year Publisher : Excellent Publishers Email : editorijcmas@gmail.com / submit@ijcmas.com Editor-in-chief: Dr.M.Prakash Index Copernicus ICV 2018: 95.39 NAAS RATING 2020: 5.38 |
Micro-mineral deficiencies of Zinc, Manganese, Iodine and Copper have been identified in blood plasma and serum levels of livestock in state of Punjab. Eighteen female buffalo calves of 15 day of age were randomly divided into 2 groups of nine each and fed calf starter of ingredient composition as per the prevailing feeding practice at the university dairy farm containing 0.66% zinc and 0.1% copper (organic and inorganic) in the mineral mixture as per specifications along with green fodder and milk. The growth study was of 120 days. Body weight and body measurements were recorded at monthly intervals to calculate growth of calves. Blood samples were collected at the beginning and end of experiment. Results indicated that the physical parameters were similar in TMRIM and TMROM fed calves. The average daily gain was 462.5 and 537.5 gm in TMRIM and TMROM respectively, though the difference was non-significant. Results indicated similar total TMR intake but significantly (P<0.01) higher digestibility of DM (P<0.05), CP (P<0.01), EE (P<0.01), NDF (P<0.05) in TMROM in comparison to TMRIM fed group. Better digestibility of CP and energy sources led to higher (P<0.01) percent DCP and TDN intake. The glucose, and total protein were significantly (p<0.05) higher in TMROM as compared to TMRIM. The other blood parameters were similar in both the groups. It may be concluded that buffalo calves fed zinc-lysine and Cu-lysine and inorganic Zn and Cu based TMRs exhibited no difference DMI and body measurements but supplementing organic minerals improved nutrient utilization and daily gain. It may be concluded that use of organic copper and zinc may be beneficial for improving growth, nutrient utilization and health of female buffalo heifers.
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