Abstract

    Sixteen calves aged 9-12 months were divided into 4 equal groups and given four treatments viz. C = control, SJ = supplementation with supernatant juice to provide phosphorus as per NRC recommendations, SP = supplementation with superphosphate powder to provide phosphorus as per NRC recommendations and AP = supplementation with supernatant to provide phosphorus 20% above the NRC recommendations. The claves were fed mixture of berseem (70%), wheat straw (20%) and molasses (10%) on dry matter basis. Results indicated a significant effect of phosphorus supplementation (P<0.05) on daily dry matter intake which was higher in AP, followed by SJ and minimum dry matter intake was found in SP group. Maximum daily weight gain was recorded in SJ group, followed by AP and SP. The minimum weight gain was found in control calves. However, statistical analysis of data indicated non-significant effect of phosphorus supplementation on daily weight gain.

Key words: Sahiwal calves, super juice, dry matter inake, weight gain, superphosphate.