Comparative study on the effect of Pronifer supplement on performance of suckling Holstein and buffalo calves [electronic resource].

Includes references.

Effect of dietary Pronifer supplement on feed intake, nutrient digestibility coefficients, some blood serum parameters, growth performance and economic and feed efficiencies of Holstein and buffalo calves was studied during suckling period. A total of 80 calves (40 Holstein and 40 buffalo calves) were assigned in to two similar groups for each species, 20 in each. Calves in the control groups of both species were fed non- supplemented Holstein milk with calf starter and berseem hay (BH). In the second ones, calves were fed whole cow milk supplemented with 1 g Pronifer/liter of milk with calf starter and BH. Results showed that, feed intake from milk, starter and BH and total feed intake as DM, TDN and DCP were significantly (P<0.01) higher in buffalo than Holstein calves, however, these parameters were not affected significantly by Pronifer supplementation. Digestibility coefficients of DM, CP, CF and EE were significantly (P<0.05) higher in Holstein than buffalo calves. Only, digestibility coefficients of DM and CF were significantly (P<0.05) higher in calves fed the supplemented diets than the control calves in both species, while digestibility coefficients of NFE did not differ significantly as affected by species, Pronifer supplementation and their interaction. Concentrations of urea in blood plasma were significantly (P<0.05) higher by about 7.8%, while total protein and calcium concentrations were significantly (P<0.05) lower by about 3.3 and 13.8% respectively, in Holstein than buffalo calves. Concentration of total protein, albumin and globulin improved (P<0.05) by about 11.5, 11.3 and 11.8% respectively, and cholesterol decreased (P<0.05) by about 8.5% in the supplemented than the control groups of both species. Averages of final body weight, total weight gain and daily gain were not affected significantly by species, but they were affected significantly (P<0.05) by Pronifer supplementation, being higher in the supplemented calves than the control calves. Final weight, total gain and average daily gain were significantly (P<0.05) higher in calves fed the supplemented diets than the control groups of both species. Also, total feed costlkg gain decreased by about 5.3% in Holstein than buffalo calves and by about 11.6% in calves fed the supplemented than the control diets. Based on the forgoing results, it could be concluded that feeding suckling calves on diet supplemented with Pronifer has beneficial effects on their growth performance, digestibility coefficients, blood parameters and economic and feed efficiencies. Keywords: Suckling calves, Pronifer, digestibility, blood parameters, feed efficiency.

Summary in Arabic.

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