Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar - 243122, India.
*Present address: College of Veterinary-Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Central Agricultural University, Selesih, Aizawl, Mizoram.
Thirty two (32) crossbred (Bos indicus × Bos Taurus) female cattle calves were divided into 4 groups of 8 animals each i.e. GC (Grainbased calf starter with lactic acid bacteria), GCo (Grain based calf starter without lactic acid bacteria) GoC (Grainless calf starter with lactic acid bacteria) and GoCo (Grainless calf starter without lactic acid bacteria). Lactic acid bacteria culture was given in the form of milk fermented with lactobacillus acidophilus, L. jugarti and L. casei. Feeding of lactic acid bacteria reduced the cost per unit gain in live weight of crossbred calves fed on grain-based and grainless calf starter. Cost per unit gain in live weight was reduced in animals fed on grain replaced calf starter compared to animals fed on grain based calf starter.
