Effect of Feeding Different Milk Types on Pre-Weaning Performance of Kundi Buffalo Calves in Pakistan
Effect of Feeding Different Milk Types on Pre-Weaning Performance of Kundi Buffalo Calves in Pakistan
Hassan Mahmood Warriach1,3*, Niaz Ali Kaka2, Amir Amanullah Solangi2, Aijaz Kumbher1, Sobia Majeed1, Khizar Hayat1, Talat Naseer Pasha1, Samantha Renee Cramer4 and David Michael McGill3
ABSTRACT
Rearing buffalo calves with a low-cost feeding regime remains a major challenge in many buffalo production systems of the world. The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of feeding different milk types on pre-weaning performance of Kundi buffalo calves in Pakistan. Sixteen newly born calves were randomly allocated to two treatment groups; buffalo milk feeding (BMF) and cow milk feeding (CMF). Each was individually fed milk at 15% of their body weight, adjusted weekly, until 6 weeks of age (up to a maximum of 5 L/day). Weight gain at 8 weeks of age was higher (P < 0.001) in BMF calves (33.71 kg ± 1.28 kg) compared to CMF calves (25.44 ± 1.19 kg). Similarly, the cost of rearing at 8 weeks of age was also significantly (P < 0.001) higher in BMF calves (Rs 10528 ± 254) compared to CMF calves (Rs 8578 ± 237). However, the cost/ kg of beef production at 8 weeks of age was lower for BMF calves (Rs 314 ± 10 kg) compared to CMF calves (Rs 341 ± 9 kg). Whilst rearing buffalo calves on whole buffalo milk was more expensive than using whole cow milk, the increased input costs were offset by producing heavier weaning weights and a superior cost per kilogram of beef production. Therefore, the present study concludes that feeding buffalo milk to buffalo calves increases productive potential and is more economical than feeding cow milk.
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