Growth performance of Friesian calves fed mixed Agroindustrial byproducts ration under Sudan conditions

Abstract

21 Friesian heifers and 21 Friesian bull calves were randomly allocated to 3 rations (A, B, and C) 
formulated in such a way that sorghum gluten feed replaced cotton seed cake and sorghum grain 
alone or groundnut hulls respectively. Parameters measured were body weight, gain and dry 
matter consumption during 10 weeks experimental period. 
Although the three rations were iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous, the best performance was 
observed with ration C followed by B and A. Bull calves were heavier than the heifers, they 
consumed more food and had better feed conversion efficiency. Under Sudan conditions growth 
rate of exotic breeds could be improved through manipulation of voluntary feed intake.