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Comparative Performances of Cattle and Buffalo Calves on Nutrient Intake, Digestibility and Growth Fed on Maize Silage and Concentrate Mixture

Dr. M. R. Islam
Senior Scientific Officer
Animal Production Research Division, Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute, Savar, Dhaka-1341, Bangladesh

G. Miah
Assistant Professor
Chittagong Veterinary & Animal Science University, Chittagong, Bangladesh

K. S. Huque
Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute, Savar, Dhaka 1341

S. Akhter
Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute, Savar, Dhaka 1341

M. M. Rahman
Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute, Savar, Dhaka 1341

M. Z. Islam
Senior Assistant Secretary
Ministry of Social Welfare, Government of Bangladesh.

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

In this study, weaned calves of indigenous dairy cattle was compared with indigenous river type dairy buffalo calves of same body weight using the same feed to examine the differences between cattle and buffalo calves on intake, digestibility, nitrogen and energy balance, and growth rate and feed efficiency. Animals were fed on maize silage ad libitum and concentrate mixture that was supplied according to the individual body weight (1 % level) on dry matter basis. DM intake, digestibility of nutrients, nitrogen balance and growth rate between cattle and buffalo calves did not differ significantly (p>0.05), but the estimated energy intake of buffalo calves was higher (p<0.01) than the cattle calves. However, DM intake was slightly higher in cattle (3.7 kg/ day) than the buffalo calves (3.4 kg/ day). The DM, OM and N digestibility's as well as N balances of buffalo calves were relatively higher than the cattle calves. Metabolizable energy intake was significantly higher (p<0.01) in buffalo calves (27.4 MJ/ day) than the cattle (23.4 MJ/ day) calves. Buffalo calves had relatively higher live weight gain (375.8 g/ day) than the cattle calves (268.9 g/ day). Feed conversion efficiency (kg feed DM/ kg gain) of buffalo calves was almost twice to that of cattle calves. In terms of nutrient utilization, feed efficiency and body weight gain, buffalo calves always ranked higher than the cattle calves. The relationship (r) between intake and performances indicates that the growth may be increased by increasing intake (r = 0.25) and hence value of feed conversion efficiency may be kept at low (r = -0.19). In conclusion, buffalo calves eat relatively less but utilize nutrient slightly better and grow faster than the cattle calves under same plane of nutrition and management.

Keywords: Calves, Buffalo, Cattle, Intake, Nutrient utilization

Location: Pabna, Chittagong

Start Date: 01-04-2003

End Date: 31-07-2003

Program Area: Animal Health and Management

Commodity: Cattle, Buffalo

Objectives:

To examine the differences between cattle and digestibility, nutrient balance and growth rate when offered maize silage and byproduct based concentrate mixture at the same level.

Methodology:

Twelve weaned buffalo and cattle calves were allocated to two groups. One group consisted of 8 calves from cattle and the other group formed with 4 calves (1 male and 3 female) from buffalo. Cattle calves consisted of Pabna and Red Chittagong calves by taking 4 calves from each where each of 4 calves had one male and three female calves. Buffalo calves were from indigenous River type (Bangladeshi Surti) buffalo. Weight of calves was similar for cattle (94.2 kg, S.d. 1.90 kg) and buffalo (93.7 kg, S.d. 3.74) but the average age was 334 and 223 days respectively for cattle and buffalo calves. Because of the differences in genus and species, animals had different body weight at a fixed age. Hence, calves with similar body weight were taken to know their performances at a fixed body weight. The experiment was conducted in the farm of Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute, Savar for 72 days from April to July 2003. Three varieties of maize (Zea mays) namely Pacific 11, Bornali and common desi were grown under identical condition at Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute farm in 3 ha of land. Each variety was cultivated in one ha of land. These were harvested at the same maturity stage (yellow mature stage). Animals were weighed at the beginning and every week thereafter. All weights were taken before feeding and watering of animals in the morning. Live weight changes were determined from the differences between the initial and final weights. A digestion and nitrogen balance trial was conducted at the end of the experimental period following total collection method. During the trial, each animal was kept in individual metabolic crates with arrangements for quantitative collection of feces and urine separately. The trial lasted for a period of 8 days with 3 days adjustment period and 5 days collection and measurement period. Daily feed intake and feces voided were recorded individually. Feces was collected manually just at the time of defecation from each animal throughout the days and nights during the collection period. The total quantity of feces voided was weighed and recorded for each animal and 20% of the feces was stored (-18°C) for further analysis. At the end of collection period, the stored feces were thawed and composite together, and analyzed for proximate components, except for DM and CP components, which were determined from fresh sample. Data were analyzed for variances using SPSS 9.0 computer package. Correlation (r) and regression (R²) were done.

Source of Information: BANGLADESH JOURNAL OF LIVESTOCK RESEARCH, Vol. 12 (1 &2), (Jan – June and June - Dec) 2005, pp. 21-32, ISSN 1022 - 3851.

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

At similar body weight, buffalo calves consume less than cattle calves. Nutrient digestibility, nitrogen balance, energy utilization, growth rate and feed conversion efficiency of buffalo calves was similar or relatively higher than cattle calves. In conclusion, at similar feeding and management condition, buffaloes are relatively better nutrient utilizer, grow slightly faster and efficient converter of feed than cattle.

Knowledge Management: Journal