Success rate, growth performance and feed efficiency of buffalo calves reared at different feeding programs under semi-intensive systems of rearing

Abstract

The present study was carried out to compare the success rate, growth performance, and feed efficiency of Murrah buffalo calves reared at different feeding programs under semi-intensive systems of rearing. Calves were selected and distributed equally into group-1: suckling calves, group-2: calves weaned at birth and group- 3: calves weaned at 45th day of age. The average daily gain of calves in suckling was significantly higher than calves weaned at birth but nonsignificant from calves weaned at 45th day. The body length, height at withers and heart girth of calves in suckling group was significantly higher than both the weaned groups. The average daily dry matter intake in suckling calves was significantly higher than weaned calves. The feed efficiency in 45th day weaned calves was higher but nonsignificant from suckling or weaned at birth. Buffalo calves could be weaned at birth and at 45th day of life without affecting growth performance but with lesser success rate of weaning.