Performance of Crossbred Heifers During Revival Period after Long Term Scarcity Feeding

Abstract

Verma, A.K., Mehra, U.R., Dass, R.S., Varshney, V.P. and Kumar, H. 1995. Performance of crossbred heifers during revival period after long term scarcity feeding. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 8: 63–70.

Growth performance of five crossbred heifers, which were earlier kept solely on urea molasses liquid diet (UMLD) for a period of 300 days was studied during revival period of six months, when these and the contemporary control group heifers were fed wheat straw and concentrate mixture as per their requirements (NRC, 1989). Nutrient intake (g/100 kg body weight) and body weight gain (476.6 g/d) in experimental group were higher (P<0.01) during the revival period than that of group I. However, nutrients digestibility and balances of N, Ca, and P did not vary significantly between the two groups. Similarly, the plasma concentration of T₃ and T₄ was alike in both the groups in all the periods. Their genitalia were normal and all the animals showed oestrous symptoms. It can be concluded that revival feeding improves the nutrient intake and body weight gain of heifers.

Key words:

• Revival feeding
• UMLD
• thyroid gland activity