Ashok Kumar Nagpal
National Research Centre on Camel, P.B. 07, Bikaner, Rajasthan, India
ABSTRACT
Twelve pregnant camels (9-12 years; 564.67±13.47 kg ) in their 2-3 parity were randomly distributed into 3 groups and were kept on diet consisting of guar straw, groundnut haulms and concentrate mixture to provide 9.5%CP (Gp1), 10.5% CP (Gp2) and 12%CP (Gp3) keeping same 50% TDN level. The DM intake kg/100 kg body weight was 1.53 in Gp1, 1.61 in Gp2 and 1.65 in Gp3. Except EE, the digestibility of all proximate components was similar, being highest in Gp3 where high dietary CP was fed. The daily intake of DM, CP and TDN, respectively were 10.01+0.18 kg, 948.80 + 18.92 g and 4.945+0.13 kg in Gp1; 10.36 + 0.39 kg, 1094.63 + 38.12 g and 5.238 + 0.27 kg in Gp2 and 10.74 + 0.64 kg, 1264.83 + 81.66 g and 5.331 + 0.42 kg in Gp3. No statistical difference was observed among 3 groups in respect of DMI and TDNI g/kg W 0.75. The DCP intake g/kg W0.75 in group Gp3 was 5.26 and significantly (P<0.01) higher than the other 2 groups. The gain in body weight of pregnant camels during the last 4 months of pregnancy was significantly (P<0.01) different among 3 groups and was 1.01, 1.22 and 1.44 kg/d in 3 groups, respectively. The loss in body weight of pregnant camels on calving was to the tune of 14.79, 13.92 and 14.20% in Gp1, Gp2 and Gp3 groups, respectively. The average birth weight of camel calves was 43.25, 42.33 and 44.25 kg in 3 groups, respectively indicating non-significant influence of nutrition level during pregnancy. The study indicated that the ration Gp1 providing 9.5% CP and 50% TDN may be fed to pregnant camels during the last quarter of pregnancy.
Key words : Birth weight, body weight loss on calving, calves, growth, nutrient utilisation, pregnant camels.
Home