The effect of seaweed formulations on in vitro fermentation, nutrient utilization and growth performance in crossbred calves

Abstract

The aim of this research was to study the effect of seaweed formulations on in vitro rumen fermentation, nutrient utilization and growth performance of crossbred calves. The study included 18 male crossbred calves of 130±7.56 kg body weight, divided into 3 groups of 6 each following a completely randomized design. Calves in the control (T0) were fed a standard diet, while treatment groups T1 and T2 were supplemented with AF-KWP or AFRD-5 at the rate of 4% of concentrate mixture, with 1% calcium carbonate and 1% dicalcium phosphate replacing the mineral mixture, and common salt offered in T0. The experiment was conducted for a period of 120 days. At the end of the experiment, a metabolism trial was conducted to study the nutrient utilization. In vitro total gas and methane production was significantly (P<0.05) lower in the seaweed supplemented groups. A significant difference (P<0.05) was also observed in the retention of calcium and phosphorus between the different groups. A non-significant difference was observed in nutrient digestibility, dry matter intake, total gain in body weight, average daily gain and feed conversion ratio between the three treatment groups. It might be concluded that seaweed formulations significantly reduced in vitro total gas and methane production without affecting true dry matter digestibility and true organic matter digestibility. Moreover, seaweed formulation supplementation did not affect the growth performance and nutrient utilization in the crossbred calves.