Effect of replacing groundnut-cake with expeller and solvent extracted mustard-cake on growth and nutrient utilization in buffalo calves

Male buffalo calves (24), 6- to 9-month-old, were divided in 4 groups of 6 each. Control group (G1)was offered non-legume fodder, wheat straw and conc entrate mixture (CP-19.98%) containing GNC, whereas in G2, G3 and G4 groups , GNC of control ration was replaced with expeller pressed mustard-cake (EM C); 50% EMC+50% solvent extracted mustard-cake and 100% (SMC), respectively , on isocaloric and isonitrogenous basis. The growth trial conducted for 24 5 days, revealed that feeding of expeller mustard-cake had a depressing eff ect on DM intake which was apparently improved upon supplementing solvent e xtracted mustard-cake and significantly improved at par with control group (G1). The digestibility coefficients of DM, CP, CF and NFE remained unaffec ted due to various treatments. However, digestibility of EE was significant ly lower in ration containing SMC group. The balance of nitrogen was signif icantly (P<0.05) higher in GNC and SMC feeding groups. It was inferred from this study that solvent extracted mustard-cake can replace(100%) groundnut cake in the ration of growing buffalo calves and expeller pressed mustard- cake + solvent extracted mustard-cake (50:50) are equally good for better u tilization of nutrients in these calves.