Effect of bypass lysine, methionine and fat on growth and nutritional efficiency in growing Jaffrabadi heifers

Abstract

Aim: Our objective was to evaluate the effect of bypass nutrients i.e. bypass lysine, methionine and fat on growth and nutritional efficiency in growing Jaffrabadi buffalo heifers aged 21 to 27 months.

Materials and Methods: Twenty buffalo heifers were divided into four groups of equal number: control group (T1), bypass fat supplementation (T2), bypass lysine and methionine supplementation (T3) and bypass lysine, methionine and fat supplementation (T4). The feeds were analyzed for proximate constituents. Body measurements (body length, body height, heart girth, body girth, pelvic length and pelvic width) as well as body weights (kg) of individual animals were recorded at the beginning and thereafter at every fifteen day interval throughout the experimental period. Feed conversion ratio was determined in terms of dry matter required per kg gain in body weight under different treatments.

Results: The total weight gain and average daily body weight gain during the experiment was highest in T4 followed by T2, which differed significantly (P<0.05) from that of T1. Biometric changes were uniform in all the experimental groups and the changes were positive. Heifers under the present experimental condition, gained biometry considerably though not significantly. Treatment differences were significant (P<0.05) for average value of percent dry matter intake but no significant differences were found between treatments for average daily dry matter intake and dry matter intake per kg metabolic body weight. The efficiency of feed utilization was best in T4 followed by T2, T3 and T1 groups but the treatment differences were statistically non significant (P>0.05).

Conclusion: Incorporation of bypass nutrients (lysine, methionine and fat) in the ration of growing Jaffrabadi heifers improved live weight gain, dry matter intake (kg/day), dry matter intake per kg metabolic weight and feed conversion ratio (DMI/kg body weight gain).