Protected fatty acid enriched with amino acid supplement promotes growth rate of weaner Ongole crossbred calves

Abstract This study aimed to examine the use of a supplement containing protected fatty acid enriched with amino acids on the performance of Ongole crossbred calves. Twenty-four Ongole cross ( Bos indicus ) bulls [195.6 ± 12.2 kg (s.e.m.) liveweight; BCS 2.5 ± 0.1 in 1-5 scale that then were divided into four treatments in a randomized block design. All bulls were offered elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) and commercial concentrate feed at 3% LW based on DM. The treatments were: (A) control (0), (B) 0.6, (C) 0.9, (D) 1.2 g/kg LW.day. The average DM intake in all bulls was 5.9 kg/d and was not different between groups. The highest LWG (0.57 kg/d) was achieved in D bulls, while no supplement offered resulted in the lowest LWG. A 0.6 g/kg LW supplement resulted in high BCS and hip height gain. To conclude, a 1.2 g/kg LW of the supplement promotes a highly productive performance of Ongole crossbred calves.