Effect of Feeding Calf Starter on Daily Weight Gain, Immune Status and Parasitic Load in Crossbred HF Calves

Sixteen HF crossbred female calves of similar age and body weight were randomly divided into two groups of eight each. Calves in group-I (Control group) were kept on measured quantity of traditional ration, while those in group-II (Experimental group) were fed calf starter comprising sodium butyrate, calcium propionate, quality protein meal, bypass fat, vitamins A, D3, E, toxin binder, mineral mixture, flavoring agent and anti-oxidants @ 100 g per day, which was slowly increased to 2.0 kg per day, for a period of 180 days. Calves in both the groups were fed ad lib green fodder. Average daily weight gain was 0.76 kg in experimental group, which was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than that of control group (0.56 kg). Feed conversion ratio (kg calf starter consumed/kg body weight gain) was 3.13 and 2.33 in control and experimental groups, respectively. Serum immuno-globulins IgG, IgA and IgM were 13.30 and 18.71; 0.62 and 0.96; 2.31 and 2.43 mg/ml in control and experimental groups, respectively. Parasitic load also reduced significantly in experimental group fed on calf starter. A calf starter formulated scientifically can help in significantly improving the daily weight gain, immune status and reducing parasitic infestation in growing calves, which in turn can help in reducing the age at first calving.