Growth Performance, Nitrogen Balance and Blood Biochemical Parameters on Feeding TMR Diet Containing Sugarcane Tops Silage Supplemented with Lactic Acid Bacteria Inoculants and Exogenous Fibrolytic Enzymes in Crossbred Calves

Background: Preservation of green sugarcane tops (SCT) as silage is still challenging due to its low fermentation coefficient. Present study was undertaken to assess the effect of different combination of additives on nutrient utilisation and growth performance in crossbred (Karan fries) heifers fed SCT silage based total mixed diet. Methods: Sugarcane tops (300 g DM/kg fresh matter) ensiled for 30 days in plastic jumbo silo bags (500 kg capacity) in three different treatments viz. SCTB1, SCTB2 and SCTB3 silages. Total mixed ration (TMR) TMRB1, TMRB2 and TMRB3 were prepared, containing 40 part concentrate and 60 part sugarcane tops SCTB1, SCTB2 and SCTB3 silages, respectively. Eighteen crossbred calves of similar body weights (115 kg) and age (11 months) were divided in three group and offered dietary treatments: TMRB1, TMRB2 and TMRB3 for sixty days. Feed intake (daily) and body weight (weekly) was recorded. Blood samples were collected (monthly) for glucose, creatinine, BUN, plasma calcium, ALT and AST levels estimates. Result: On 30th day SCT silage samples were analysed, pH and NDF content was found lower (p less than 0.05) whereas lactic acid content was higher (p less than 0.05) in SCTB2 and SCTB3 than SCTB1 silage. Feed intake, growth performance, nitrogen balance and blood biochemical parameters were remained similar among the groups. Total tract digestibility of NDF and ADF was found higher (p less than 0.05) in groups TMRB2 and TMRB3 than TMRB1. It may be concluded that LAB and EFE supplementation on SCT silage improved fibre digestibility (NDF and ADF) of TMR diet however, feed intake, growth performance and blood parameters were not affected in crossbred calves.