Effect Of Inclusion Of Palm Kernel Meal (Elaeis Guineensis) In The Concentrate Mixture On Nutrient Utilization In Graded Murrah Buffalo Bulls

The present investigation was carried out to study the effect of inclusion of palm kernel meal (PKM) in the diet on intake, mineral balances and nutrient utilization in buffalo bulls. In 4x4 LSD, four graded Murrah buffalo bulls were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments (T-1 to T-4) comprising of green fodder viz. Super Napier, paddy straw and concentrate mixture. In the concentrate mixture, palm kernel meal is incorporated at 0 (T-1; Control), 10 (T-2), 15 (T-3) and 20 (T-4) percent levels. All the concentrate mixtures were made isonitrogenous. Buffalo bulls in both the groups were fed to meet the nutrient requirements as per ICAR (2013) standards. Inclusion of PKM up to 20% level in the concentrate mixture had no effect (P>0.05) on the digestibility of DM, OM, CP, EE, CF, NFE, NDF, ADF, hemi-cellulose and cellulose as compared to the control. All the buffalo bulls were in positive N, Ca and P balance. The average DMI of buffalo bulls expressed as g/kg W-0.75 or as % BW was comparable among the treatments. Inclusion of PKM at varying levels in the concentrate mixture had no significant effect (P>0.05) on DCP contents expressed as % in the diet consumed or as g/kg W-0.75. However, the TDN contents expressed as % in the diet consumed decreased (P<0.05) with increased levels of inclusion of PKM from 0 to 20% level in the concentrate mixtures. Inclusion of palm kernel meal at 10, 15 and 20% level in the concentrate mixtures resulted in decreased feed cost by (SIC) 0.73, 1.09 and 1.46 as compared to the control. It is concluded that PKM can be included up to 20% level in the concentrate mixture of buffalo bulls without any adverse effects.