Influence of Different Protein Level Feeding on Physiological Response and Biochemical Indices in Crossbred Calves

Harsh H. Patel; Pravin M. Lunagariya; Jigar H. Patel; Malhar  R.  Khant; Dilip C. Patel; Kishan N. Wadhwani

Harsh H. Patel Animal Nutrition Research Station, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Anand Agricultural University, Anand 388001, Gujarat, India
Pravin M. Lunagariya Livestock Research Station, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Anand Agricultural University, Anand 388001, Gujarat, India
Jigar H. Patel Livestock Research Station, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Anand Agricultural University, Anand 388001, Gujarat, India
Malhar R. Khant Livestock Research Station, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Anand Agricultural University, Anand 388001, Gujarat, India
Dilip C. Patel Dept. of Animal Science, B.A. College of Agriculture, Anand Agricultural University, Anand 388001, Gujarat, India
Kishan N. Wadhwani Livestock Research Station, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Anand Agricultural University, Anand 388001, Gujarat, India

Keywords: Blood parameters, Calf starter, Crossbred calves, Hormone level, Physiological responses, Protein level.

Abstract

This study was conducted on eighteen newborn crossbred calves (Holstein Friesian 75% × Kankrej 25%) of either sex randomly and sequentially grouped into three groups. viz. T1 (Commercial concentrate: 18% CP), T2 (Commercial concentrate: 25% CP) and T3 (Farm made concentrate: 25% CP) for period of 84 days (twelve weeks). The physiological responses of calves like rectal temperature (°F), respiration rate (no./min) and pulse rate (no./min) were recorded at weekly intervals at 07:30 am and 02:30 pm. The blood samples from individual calves were collected on 0, 42 and 84 days for hematology, serum biochemical parameters and hormone concentration. Feeding of calf starter with different level of crude protein and source has a non-significant influence on physiological responses like rectal temperature, respiration and pulse rate, hematological parameters like white blood cells, red blood cells, hemoglobin, pack cell volume, serum parameters like total protein, albumin, glucose, alkaline phosphatase, cholesterol, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, triiodothyronine, thyroxine and cortisol level of crossbred calves. In conclusion, the feeding of calf starter with different sources and levels of protein non-significantly influenced physiological responses, blood parameters, and the hormonal level of crossbred calves.