Studies on Effect of Inclusion of Moringa (Moringa oleifera) Leaf Meal in Homemade Concentrate Mixture on Growth Performance of Deoni Calves
S. G. Bhingarde
*
Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairy Science, College of Agriculture, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krushi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani, Maharashtra, India.
D.V. Bainwad
Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairy Science, College of Agriculture, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krushi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani, Maharashtra, India.
R. A. Patil
Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairy Science, College of Agriculture, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krushi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani, Maharashtra, India.
G. K. Londhe
Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairy Science, College of Agriculture, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krushi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani, Maharashtra, India.
S. G. Narwade
Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairy Science, College of Agriculture, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krushi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani, Maharashtra, India.
S. A. Waje
Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairy Science, College of Agriculture, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krushi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani, Maharashtra, India.
B. B. Pothale
Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairy Science, College of Agriculture, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krushi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani, Maharashtra, India.
P. R. Gaikwad
Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairy Science, College of Agriculture, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krushi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani, Maharashtra, India.
V. R. Sarwade
Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairy Science, College of Agriculture, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krushi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani, Maharashtra, India.
D. D. Sawant
Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairy Science, College of Agriculture, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krushi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani, Maharashtra, India.
P. D. Chendge
Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairy Science, College of Agriculture, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krushi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani, Maharashtra, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of incorporating Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM) at varying levels in homemade concentrate mixtures on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility and economics of feeding in Deoni calves. A 180-day feeding trial was carried out using sixteen Deoni calves divided into four treatment groups (T0–T3) under a Completely Randomized Design. The treatments consisted of MOLM replacing cottonseed cake at 0%, 10%, 15% and 20% inclusion levels. Results revealed a significant (P<0.05) improvement in body weight, body measurements and average daily gain with increasing levels of MOLM, with the highest performance observed in the 20% inclusion group (T3). Dry matter intake and digestibility coefficients of dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, crude fibre and nitrogen-free extract also increased with higher MOLM levels. Economic analysis showed a reduction in feed cost per kilogram of weight gain from ₹212.67 in control (T0) to ₹174.08 in T3, indicating enhanced cost efficiency. The findings suggest that MOLM inclusion up to 20% in homemade concentrate mixtures can be recommended for improved growth, nutrient utilization and feeding economy in Deoni calves.
Keywords: Deoni calves, moringa leaf meal, growth performance, nutrient digestibility, economic assessment