Effect of betaine supplementation on growth performance and feed intake of gir calves

Abstract

The present study was carried out with the objective of investigating the effects of betaine supplementation on feed intake and growth performance of Gir calves. A total sixteen Gir calves were randomly divided into four groups, viz. T1 (Control), T2, T3 and T4. Calves in T1 group were fed basal diets without betaine supplementation and treatment groups were fed basal diets plus betaine @ 10, 15 and 20 grams in T2, T3 and T4 groups, respectively for a period of 90 days. Average dry matter intake (kg/d, kg/100 kg body weight and g/kg BW0.75) was not affected by betaine supplementation. Statistical analysis of data revealed that average daily gain was significantly (p<0.05) higher in animals of T4 group as compared to other (T1, T2 and T3) groups and the difference between T1, T2 and T3 was non-significant (p>0.05). Average body weight (kg) and feed conversion ratio were non-significant (p>0.05) among treated group.