Performance of crossbred calves with dietary supplementation of garlic extract

Twelve calves (Holstein cross) in their pre-ruminant stage were used to study effect of garlic extract feeding on their performance and they were randomly allotted into treatment and control groups in equal number. Treatment group received garlic extract supplementation @ 250 mg/kg BW/day/calf. Performance was evaluated by measuring average body weight(BW) gain, nutrient intake (DM, TDN and CP), feed conversion efficiency (DM, TDN and CP), fecal score, fecal coliform count and feed cost of rearing. There was significant increase in average body weight gain and feed intake and significant decrease in severity of scours as measured by fecal score in the treatment group compared to the control group. The results suggested that garlic extract can be supplemented to the calves for better performance.