Vol. 11, Special Issue 11 (2022)

Author(s):
Siliveru Srinath and Jasmine Kaur

Abstract:
The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of inclusion of cottonseed meal (CSM) as an alternate protein source in the diet of male buffalo calves on nutrient intake and economics of feeding. Conventional concentrate mixture was prepared (maize 34, SBM 15, mustard cake 15, wheat bran 10, deoiled rice bran 17, rice polish 6, mineral mixture 2.0 and common salt 1.0 part per 100 parts). Soybean meal (SBM) in the concentrate mixture was replaced by cottonseed meal (CSM) at 75% and 100% level on w/w basis. Twelve buffalo calves were randomly distributed into three groups of four animals each designated as C, T1 and T2. A 120-day growth trial was conducted on male buffalo calves. Intake of nutrients (DM, OM, CP, EE, NDF, ADF expressed as kg/100 kg BW) was reported to be higher (P<0.05) in T1 group than C and T2 groups. Cellulose and hemicellulose intake (kg/100 kg BW) of T1 group was similar to C group and higher (p<0.05) than T2 group. Replacement of SBM by CSM at 75% and 100% levels resulted in net saving of Rs. 11.67 and 16.65 per kg BW gain in T1 and T2 groups, respectively. It was concluded that CSM was cost effective and could economically replace SBM upto 75% and 100% in the concentrate mixture of buffalo calves without any adverse effect on nutrient intake of animals.