EVALUATION OF GROWTH-POTENTIAL IN MURRAH BUFFALOS UNDER FREE-CHOICE FEEDING SYSTEM

Twenty four Murrah buffalo calves born in Aug-Sept 1989, and weaned at birth were reared individualy under free choice feeding system. Growt h rate from birth to one month was 472 g per day. In the subsequent mo nths from 1 month to 24 months it ranged from 401 to 500 g per day. Hi ghest growth rate (500g/day) was observed between 18 to 24 months wher eas after the age of 24 months it was minimum. Body weight at maturity (30 months of age) was recorded as 392+/-9.9 kg. Average body length, height and heart girth at birth were estimated as 58.0+/-0.5 cm, 59.8 +/-0.8 cm and 64.0+/-0.8 cm respectively. The corresponding averages a t maturity were 133.0+/-1.3, 125.8+/-0.8 and 184.4+/-1.8 cm respective ly. Average tail length at maturity was estimated as 88.5+/-1.5 cm. Un der free choice feeding system, total consumption of green fodder, dry fodder and concentrate up to the age of maturity (2.5 years) was 1095 8+/-12.2, 318.6+/-2.7 and 1521. 1+/-4.2 kg respectively.?he average c ost per kg body weight gain from birth to 6 months, 6-12 months, 12 to 18 months, 18 to 24 months and 24 to 30 months of age was estimated a s Rs 30.9, 16.8, 17.2, 21.6 and Rs 40.4 respectively, with an overall cost of Rs 26.50/kg body weight gain.