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Use of forage groundnut (Arachis pintoi) and sugar cane in the diet of Sahiwal x Holstein calves

Abstract:

The substitution (0, 25, 50 and 75%) of the dry matter (DM) and the total protein (TP) of a commercial balanced concentrate (B) by forage groundnut (Arachis pintoi) plus sugar cane (S) (Saccharum officinarum) was evaluated. 20 Sahiwal x Holstein calves with initial weight average of 72.5±4 kg were used. The treatments were: BS, B (100% of the requirement total protein (TPR) in DM) + S; BSP25, 75% of B + P (25% of the TPR in DM) + S; BSP 50, 50% of B + P (50% of the TPR in DM) + S; BSP75, 25% of B + P (75% of the TPR in DM) + S. A total random experimental design was used. The daily gain of live weight (DWG), consumption of DM (DMC), feed conversion (FC), consumption of TP (TPC) and economic analysis was evaluated. Three experimental periods were evaluated (1-30, 31-60 and 61-90 d) and a total (1-90 d). The DWG per period and total (g d-1) was not different (p>0.05) among treatments. In the total period the averages of DWG were 0.587, 0.627, 0.549 and 0.584; for the levels of substitution 0, 25, 50 and 75% of PT, respectively. The DMC in the periods 31-60 d and total was bigger (p <0.05) when the diet contained less P. The FC was not affected (p>0.05) by the substitution. There was better economic profit with BSP75 (223.94 dollars and 74.14% of profitability). It was concluded that the Arachis pintoi is a potential source of protein that allows to improve the productive and economic efficiency of ruminant growth.