Assessment of the nutritive value of corn stover and king grass in complete feed on Ongole steer calves productivity

AIM: This study aimed to assess the nutritional values of corn stover and king grass (Pennisetum purpupoides) in complete feed on the productivity of male Ongole steer calves. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted in two steps: Cattle adaptation and data collection. Cattle adaptation was carried out for 2 weeks, and the cattle were fed the experimental feed. The experimental feed was formulated into five combinations: R1 (50% king grass); R2(12.5% corn stover +7.5% king grass 50% concentrate); R3(25% corn stover+25% king grass); R4(37.5% corn stover+12.5% king grass); and R5(50% corn stover). All experimental feeds were added with 50% concentrate. Data were collected in five intervals, and each interval was of 4weeks. In every interval, weight gain and digestibility were measured every day, beginning from the 4(th)week by collecting feces. Dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP) digestibility, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), body weight gain, and feed conversion data were analyzed. RESULTS: R4 and R5 treatment significantly increased (p<0.05) the feed nutritional value and weight gain of male Ongole steer calves. Interestingly, treatment with R4 had the maximum increase (p<0.05) on the digestibility value of each variable: DM, 68.85%; OM, 71.89%; CP, 73.90%; NDF, 59.10%; ADF, 55.35%; and weight gain, 0.61/gr/day. CONCLUSION: R4 treatment found to be the best nutritional value for improving the productivity of male Ongole steer calves.