Effect of Feeding Milk Replacer on the Productive Performance of Buffalo Newborn Calves in District Peshawar, Pakistan
Effect of Feeding Milk Replacer on the Productive Performance of Buffalo Newborn Calves in District Peshawar, Pakistan
Danyal Khan1, Abdur Rahman1, Muhammad Shuaib2,3*, Sohaib Ul Hassan4, Abubakar Sufyan5, Wajid Ullah1, Seema Jani1, Obaid Ullah6 and Shahrood Ahmed Siddiqui7
ABSTRACT
Abstract | This study was designed to evaluate the productive performance of pre-weaned buffalo calves fed on different levels of milk replacers and their effects on feed intake, weight gain, body condition score, disease incidence, and overall profitability. Twelve calves were randomly selected and divided into four groups. Group A (control group) calves were fed with raw milk, while calves in groups B, C, and D were fed with milk replacer (MR) having levels of 13%, 16%, and 19% respectively. A Complete Randomized Design (CRD) was used to analyze the data statistically. Results revealed that total intake was significantly higher in groups B and C than in groups A and D. Total live weight change was the highest in group C followed by groups B, A, and group D. Whereas body condition score (BCS) change was higher in group C than in group D and B respectively. Group A recorded the lowest BCS. Group B had the highest average expenditure of the remaining groups. The difference between expenses and the worth of weight gain was the lowest in Group D followed by Group C while the highest difference was in Group B followed by Group A. The highest disease incidence was recorded in group D while the calves in group C were healthier and had a lower incidence of illness. It is concluded that buffalo newborn calves may be retained at the farm and fed milk replacer of 16% or 19% level and spare maximum milk for sale will give two folds profit to the farmers from the sale of raw milk and calves crops.
Novelty Statement | In the irrigation area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, buffalo farming is increasingly prevalent, and the high cost of buffalo milk pushes farmers to sell more than they need for calves. Insufficient milk feeding causes hunger, poor development,and high mortality. Thus, an appropriate milk replacer will meet the needs of a newborn calf and help it thrive without culling.
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