Effect of feeding Jowar straw in combination with soybean straw on the growth performance of crossbred calves

Experiment was designed to improve the utilization of soybean straw by simple physical mixing of conventional feed (jowar straw) with soybean straw. For this experimental study nine H.F.X. Deoni cross bred claves of 6 to 12 month age were selected. Three calves under each treatment were allotted by forming three groups similar in body weight and age. The group fed with jowar straw adlib + concentrate was designated as control (T₀) and the group fed with jowar straw 50% and soybean straw 50% and concentrate was designated as treatment T₁ and T₂ fed with 100% soybean straw and concentrate as per requirement. Total experimental period was of 105 days in switch over design with a period of 35 days per period. The results revealed from this investigation indicate that the dry matter intake per animal per day per 100 kg body weight under treatment T₁ (3.262) was slightly higher over treatment T₂ (3.178) and T₀ (3.050). Whereas, total body weight gain by crossbred calves under treatment T₁ was superior over treatment T₀ and T₂. The daily body weight gain under treatment T₁ was superior over treatment T₂ and T₀ but differences observed were statistically non-significant.