Effect of feeding garden cress (Lepidium sativum) seeds in the ration on growth and economics of production in crossbred heifers

Abstract

A feeding trial was carried out for a period of 5 months to evaluate the effect of dietary inclusion of garden cress (GC) seeds in the ration on growth and economics of production in crossbred heifer calves. Eighteen crossbred heifer calves of ten to twelve months of age were selected from University Livestock Farm and Fodder Research and Development Scheme (ULF & FRDS), Mannuthy and were divided into three groups of six animals each based on age and body weight. The animals were randomly allotted to three dietary treatments, T1 (concentrate with 20 percent CP and 70 percent TDN), T2 (T1 containing 5 percent GC seed) and T3 (T1 containing 10 percent GC seed). Analysis of data obtained from the study revealed that the growth performance and average feed cost per kg body weight gain were similar between groups. Thus, it was determined that GC seeds can be safely incorporated up to 10 percent in the ration of heifers without compromising the growth performance.