Effect of fibrolytic microbes and enzymes on nutrient and energy intake in crossbred calves

Abstract

The study investigated the impact of dietary supplementation with fibrolytic microbes and enzymes on nutrient and energy intake in crossbred calves. Twenty Holstein Friesian × Kankrej calves were randomly allocated into five groups: control, fungus-fed (Aspergillus spp.), bacteria-fed (Escherichia spp.), enzyme-fed (xylanase), and consortium-fed (combination of all three additives). Over 140 days, calves received treated or untreated hybrid napier fodder alongside concentrate mixture and sorghum hay. Key nutrient intake parameters measured included dry matter, crude protein, digestible crude protein, ether extract, crude fiber, nitrogen-free extract, total digestible nutrients, and metabolizable energy. Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences (p>0.05) in nutrient or energy intake across treatment groups. Although the fungus-fed group showed a non-significant increase in dry matter intake, this did not translate into significant growth differences. Notably, the enzyme-fed group exhibited higher average daily growth despite consuming less dry matter. These findings suggest that supplementation with fibrolytic microbes and enzymes does not significantly alter nutrient or energy intake but may positively influence growth performance. The results support the use of such feed additives in crossbred calves under tropical feeding conditions without adversely affecting nutrient consumption.