A note on the utilization of Acalipha hispida in the formulation of calf concentrates from home raw materials

A study was carried out with 12 Holstein calves of both sexes of 10 days of age with approximately 35 kg of initial liveweight and assigned to individ ual cradles until weaning (70 days), according to a completely randomised d esign to compare a supplement prepared with non-conventional raw materials and including the Acalipha hispida at 28% (contributing 34% of the protein) versus a conventional concentrate with 20% star grass hay. Both supplement s were supplied ad libitum from the beginning of the experiment. There were no differences in any of the indicators used. The percentage of diarrhoea (DM less than or equal to 15%) was higher in the treatment without A: hispi da with a greater incidence in the period from 31 to 70 days (46 cases) wit h respect to the treatment with a. hispida with only 4 cases. The possibili ty of using A. hispida in the proportions studied was demonstrated, althoug h further studies to learn its nutritional potential and to establish its t rue effect on animal health in order to exploit its possible astringent eff ect are necessary.