B. A.BABlKER,F.A. AHMED AND H.A.M.ELHAG

Department of Animal Science. Favult y of Agricultural Sciences,

University 0f Gczira; P.O.Box 20, Wad Medani

SUMMARY

Four groups of Kenana X Friesian cross- bred calves were weaned at 6,8,l0 and l2 weeks of age.Concentrate starters and supplemmts based on agro industrial by-products together with forage sorghum was offered ad libiturn in the postwea- ning period from l2 to 26 weeks of age. The total dry matter, supplement , forage and liveweight gains were measured during this p:riod. Feed conversion ratio was calculated. No significant difference in total dry matter intake was observed. Calves weaned at 12 weeks of age had a significantly (P < 0.01) higher supplement intake than th: early weaned ones. Early weaned calves consumed more forage than late weaned calves. A highly significant (P < 0.001) liveweight gain and feed conversion ratio was shown by the six – week weaned calves. The results suggest that an early weaning system could be successfully adopted with a favourable post ~ weaning performance.

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