Effect of Sesbania Grandiflora (Agati) Supplementation on Weight Gain of Crossbred Jersey Heifer Calves

Abstract

An overarching factor that influences age at puberty in heifers is nutritional management during the preweaning and postweaning periods. The objective of this study was to evaluate supplementation of Sesbania grandiflora (Agati)as a legume forage resource for improving growth in crossbred Jersey heifer calves under cut-and carry feeding system in India. Twelve crossbred Jersey heifer calves (mean weight 70.17±3.79 kg) were randomly allocated into two groups (control and treatment) with six animals in each group. Results showed that average daily gains in treatment and control groups were 453.70±50.87 g day-1 and 416.66±30.33 g day-1, respectively. Similarly, average body weight gain in treatment and control groups were 40.83±4.58 kg and 37.5±2.73 kg, respectively.

Keywords

• Agati, average body weight gain, legume