Nutritional Evaluation of chicory, berseem and oats fodders in growing buffalo calves.

Abstract

Three fodders viz., berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum), oats (Avena sativa) and chicory (Chicorium intybus) were evaluated for their chemical composition and in vitro rumen fermentation parameters. Crude protein content of berseem (17.39%) was comparatively higher than that of chicory (15.76%) and oats (8.54%) fodders. Chicory had lower NDF (43.10%) than berseem (46%) and oats (51.03%) fodder. IVDMD of chicory (83.9%) was highest followed by berseem (78.4%) and oats (74.8%) fodder. In vitro CH4 production (g/kg DM, g/kg IVDDM and g/kg IVDOM) differed significantly (P<0.05) among forages. CH4 production was lowest from chicory (22.2, 28.3, 32.7) and highest from oats fodder (24.9, 34.5, 38.7). To assess fodders’ nutritive value, 15 buffalo calves (221±5.5 kg) divided into 3 groups, were fed berseem (G1), oats (G2) and chicory (G3), respectively. Calves had similar DMI on all the 3 fodders. Calves had higher DMD for berseem (71.78%) and chicory (72.83%) than oats fodder (67.15%). CP and NDF digestibility (%) of chicory (70.55, 47.92) were less than that of berseem (72.84, 49.22), but more compared to oats (68.19, 45.71) fodder. Calves were in positive N balance in all the groups. The TDN values calculated from metabolism trial data were similar to values based on chemical composition (NRC, 2001). TDN (%) was higher for G3 (67.57) followed by G1 (63.5) and G2 (61.03). DMI of chicory was similar to berseem and oats while nutrient digestibility was higher than oats.