Influence of Different Weaning Ages on Growth Performance of Achai Crossed Jersey Calves
Influence of Different Weaning Ages on Growth Performance of Achai Crossed Jersey Calves
Azmat Hayat Khan Khattak1, Abdul Wasay2, Tariq Ali1,*, Muhammad Iqbal1, Khisrao Kalim1, Mohammad Farooque Hassan3, Muhammad Mobashar2, Nazir Ahmad2, Abid Iqbal2 and Muhammad Nauman ul Islam1
ABSTRACT
Early calf mortality (ECM) is one of the major constraints in livestock production system of Pakistan. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the effect of different weaning ages on the growth performance of cattle calves to reduce ECM. Nine calves (Achai crossed Jersey) were randomly distributed into three weaning age groups viz., A = 90, B = 70, and C = 110 days. In group A, calves were fed with whole milk at 10% of live body weight (LBW) for 4-7 days after initial colostrum feeding at 10% of LBW. From 8-30 days they received milk at 10% LBW + calf starter ration (CSR). During 31 to 63 days, milk at 10% LBW + CSR + green fodder (GF) was fed. Then, from 64-77 days they were fed milk at 5% LBW + CSR + GF. From 78-90 days milk at 2.5% LBW + CSR + GF. Calves in groups B and C were also fed with same feeding regimen with the corresponding age adjustments. The results showed that mean feed intake in weaning age groups-A, B and C was 5.71, 4.34 and 6.02 kg, respectively. Mean weight gain was 5.56, 5.02 and 6.70 (kg/15 days), respectively. Whereas, mean feed efficiency was 0.07, 0.13 and 0.09, respectively. Significant (P > 0.05) interaction was recorded for feed intake and feed efficiency between weaning age and feeding treatment. The economics of different weaning ages was also evaluated with maximum income from group-B (Rs. 71.1/day/calf). This study concluded that different weaning ages might contribute significantly to feed intake, body weight gain and feed efficiency of growing calves.
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December 2018
Vol. 50, Iss. 6, Pages 1999-2398
