EFFECT OF REPLACING COTTON SEED CAKE WITH GUAR MEAL ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND ECONOMICS IN SAHIWAL CALVES

The study was conducted to examine the effect of replacing cotton seed cake (CSC) with guar meal (GM), partially or completely, on nutrient intake, digestibility, growth performance and economics using Sahiwal calves. Twelve female Sahiwal calves of 8-10 months of age were used in a randomized complete block design. These calves were divided into 3 groups, 4 calves in each group. Three iso-nitrogenous and iso-caloric rations containing CSC (15%), GM (15%) and CSC and GM (7.5% each) were formulated. The study continued for 90 days. The first 25 days were adaptation period, while last five days of each month were taken as collection period. Chemical composition indicated that CSC contained 23.04% CP, 31.23% NDF and 18.49% ADF contents while GM contained 39.67% CP, 31.22% NDF and 17.77% ADF contents. Non-significant effects were observed on nutrient intake and digestibility in calves fed rations containing CSC, GM, CSC+GM. Concentrations of blood glucose, blood protein and blood urea nitrogen were also remained unaltered. Total weight gain by calves was unaffected due to replacing CSC with GM. Guar meal containing diets were cheaper than CSC based diet. The study revealed that replacing CSC with GM helped in economical ration formulation without any adverse effects on growth performance of the calves.