Evaluation of Roughage Based Complete Feed Pellet Diets in Male Camel Calves

Abstract

Effect of roughage based complete feed pellet diets on nutrient utilization, growth performance and serum profile of camel calves was studied. Duration was 213 days. Twelve healthy male camel calves of Bikaneri and Kutchchi (age 2.5 months; 430 kg body weight), randomally allotted to 3 groups, 4 calves in each group were fed complete feed pellets containing crude protein and total digestible nutrients of 9.94 and 63.35 (A); 12.24 and 62.62 (B); and 15.44 and 58.95(C) per cent respectively. Camel calves of group A recorded significantly (P<0.01) higher body weight gain (0.687kg/d) as compared to group B (0.493kg/d) and C (0.410kg/d). Feed efficiency in terms of DMI kg/kg live weight gain was observed to be significantly (P<0.01) different among 3 groups. It was maximum in camel calves of group A (10.80) followed by B camel calves (13.91) and minimum in C (16.53). Although feed cost (Rs./q) was higher in A (686.00) but due to higher growth, the feed cost in rupees per kg live weight gain was the lowest in A (80.13) and highest in C (115.95). No significant variation was observed for digestibility coefficients of DM, OM, EE, CF, NDF and ADF but digestibility coefficient of CP and NFE showed significant (P<0.05) difference among the groups. While CP digestibility increased significantly (P<0.05) from A to B and C, no significant difference was observed between B and C. The NFE digestibility showed significant (P<0.05) fall from A to C but difference between A and B was non-significant. The daily intake of DCP (g/kg metabolic body weight) increased significantly (P<0.05) from group A to C whereas DM and TDN intake was statistically similar among 3 groups. There was no significant difference among 3 groups for serum, glucose, total protein, albumin, but serum urea differed significantly (P<0.05). The results revealed that camel calves can be fed on diet containing 9.94%crude protein and 63.35% TDN with 50:50 roughage to concentrate ratio for better growth rate and feed conversion efficiency.