Effect of cocoa pulp level mixed with feed concentrate on performance and blood metabolite profiles of dry-lot fattening bali steers

Abstract

Aim of this study is to evaluate the utilization of cocoa pulp as an alternative feedstuff source for the performance and blood metabolite profiles of dry-lot fattening Bali steers. Nine fattening Bali steers were randomly assigned to experimental diets, composed of three levels of cocoa pulp of 0, 5 and 10% with reducing levels of milled corn composition at 20, 14 and 8%, designated as ED0 (control), ED1 and ED2, respectively, under a completely randomized design. Herbages, consisted of dwarf napiergrass (Pennisetum purpureum cv. Mott) at 90% and Indigofera sp. at 10%, were fed at fresh matter basis 60%, with the experimental diet at 40%. Dry Matter Intake (DMI) tended to be higher in ED1 than in ED2 without significant difference (p>0.05) among treatments. The Average Daily Gain (ADG) decreased from 0.74 kg/head/day in ED0 to 0.43 kg/head/day in ED2, while that in ED1 did not decrease from ED0. The effect of experimental diets did not differ significantly (p>0.05) on body performance, hematological or biochemical parameters. The results indicated that the experimental diet did not affect the hematological or biochemical parameters; however, the feedstuff mixed with cocoa pulp at 5% showed a comparable average daily gain in fattening Bali steers with control.