Influence of Dietary Manipulation on the Blood Biochemical Profile and Growth Performance of Crossbred Dairy Heifer

This study aimed to assess the influence of dietary manipulation with commonly available concentrate sources on the nutritional status and growth performance of crossbred dairy heifer. Concentrates that were used alternatively in three feed preparation were (Wheat bran, rice polish and maize powder). Twelve crossbred dairy heifers (50% Holstein Friesian blood (HF) (age around 12-13 months; body weight (173-196) kg were chosen from the existing dairy herd of Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) Dairy Farm, Department of Dairy Science, BAU. Latin square design was used to conduct the study. The feeding experiment was lasted for a duration of 100 days (10 days for adjustment period and rest 90 days for main trial that was divided into 3 periods). Blood analysis, growth performance measurement, feed efficiency calculation and feed cost analysis were performed at 15 days interval. Among the twelve blood biochemical parameters no significant (p<0.05) variation was found except the result of total cholesterol which was found highest in rice polish fed group (170.1 mg/dL). Body weight gain per 15 days was significantly higher (9.08 kg/15d) and dry matter intake per kg of body weight gain (9.56kg DMI/kg BWG) was significantly lower when heifers were supplied feed preparation containing wheat bran. Rest other body growth parameters didn’t show any significant difference when feed with three feed preparations.