The objective of this study was to monitor the changes in growth, dry matter intake, and blood profiles (nutrition and reproductive hormones) of dairy heifers in response to green grass-based diets. Twelve crossbred heifers were equally divided into group 1: rice straw and concentrate; group 2: rice straw, green grass, and concentrate; group 3: green grass and concentrate; group 4: green grass, soybean hay, and concentrate. Dry matter intake in group 4 was found 6% higher (P < 0.05) than group 1. Negative body weight gain was found in group 1 and group 2 showed 14% higher body weight gain per 30 days compared to groups 3 and 4 (P < 0.05). Heifers in group 4 had significantly (P < 0.05) higher heart girth gain, serum albumin, urea, and blood urea nitrogen than the heifers in other groups. Endocrine parameters were found similar among groups. Overall, supply of green grass especially a mix of leguminous and non-leguminous was found advantageous in heifer feeding.
CITATION STYLE
Habib, M. R., Rashid, M. H., Islam, M. A., Majumder, S., Islam, K. M. S., Ahmed, S., … Vargas-Bello-Pérez, E. (2018). Influence of green grass-based diets on growth and reproductive performance in dairy heifers. Tropical Animal Health and Production, 50(4), 889–895. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-018-1514-x
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