EFFECT OF LEVEL OF CONCENTRATE SUPPLEMENTATION ON GROWTH RATE AND AGE AT MATURITY IN GROWING BUFFALO HEIFERS

This study was conducted to observe the effect of supplementation of concentrate mixture alongwith green fodder on growth rate and age of maturity in growing buffalo heifers. Twenty seven heifers of Nili- Ravi buffalo, with 18-21 months of age and on an average 280.0 Kg body weight, were randomly divided into three groups A, B and C, with 9 animals in each group. All the groups were given chaffed green fodder ad lib. on group feeding basis. In addition, heifers of groups A and B were given 2.0 and 4.0 kg of concentrate mixture per head per day, while the group C received no concentrate and was kept as control. Daily green fodder consumption was 32.5, 30.00 and 37.50 Kg, with a growth rate of 0.558, 0.659 and 0.354 Kg in groups A, B and C, respectively. The age at maturity averaged 774, 728 and 993 days, while body weights were 411, 431 and 388 Kg in respective groups. The results revealed that the maturity age was significantly reduced (P 0.01) by concentrate supplementation compared with fodder alone. Cost of rearing of buffalo heifers up to age of maturity was 5829.00, 6862.00 and 8747.00 rupees in respective groups. Rearing of buffalo heifers on green fodder ad lib. alongwith supplementation of 2 Kg of concentrate mixture was economical.