Performance of crossbred calves (Jersey x Assam local) at different levels of protein in calf starter

The study was carried out to evaluate the growth performance of twelve new born crossbred calves (Jersey X Assam local) of either sex reared under three different calf starters containing three different DCP levels of 20 (group I), 22 (group II) and 24 (group III) per cent with 75–76 per cent TDN. The calves of group I showed significantly (P<0.05) better body weight gain, dry matter intake and feed conversion efficiency than group II and group III. The calves in calf starter group I expressed maximum increase in both body length and height at withers compared to the other two groups. The increase in hearth girth was significantly (P<0.05) lower in group I. Significant (P<0.05) difference was also observed in blood constituents like glucose, serum and calcium among the three treatments. The cost of feed per kg weight gain was Rs. 100.02, 102.01 and 110.82 in groups I, II and III respectively. It can be inferred that calf starter with 20 per cent DCP and 75–76 TDN gave optimum growth performance compared to those with 22 and 24 per cent DCP.