Influence of Kamela (Mallotus philippensis) leaves as herbal feed additive on nutrient utilization and performances in growing crossbred calves

Abstract

This work was undertaken to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation of Kamela (Mallotus philippensis) leaf meal as herbal feed additive on nutrients utilization and growth performance of growing crossbred calves. Ten numbers of growing Jersey male cross-bred calves were divided in to two groups (G1 and G2) and were fed individually under stall feeding on a paddy straw based mixed ration (50% paddy straw and 50% concentrate mixture) for 140 days. Two types (C1 and C2) of iso-nitrogenous concentrate mixtures were prepared. Wheat bran in concentrate mixture (C2) of test group (G2) was partially replaced (4 parts w/w) with sun dried ground Mallotus philippensis leaf meal. Experimental calves of test group (G2) fed Mallotus philippensis leaf meal @ 2% of the diet. Daily dry matter intake (g/d) was similar among the calves of two experimental groups. Apparent digestibility of DM, OM, NDF, ADF and cellulose were higher in the Mallotus philippensis leaf meal fed calves (G2). DCP value of the ration was similar while, TDN value of the ration was higher in the calves of Mallotus philippensis leaf meal supplemented group (G2). However, plane of nutrition among the calves of both experimental groups was similar. Average finishing body weight, daily body weight gain, feed conversion efficiency and blood glucose level were higher in Mallotus philippensis leaf fed calves (G2). The results of the study indicated that dietary supplementation Kamela (Mallotus philippensis) leaf meal as herbal feed additive @ 2% of total diet significantly improved the performance in growing male crossbred calves.