Comparative evaluation of different bedding materials on growth performance of Murrah buffalo calves

Ideal bedding management is essential for optimal health, welfare, and growth performance of dairy calves. The study was conducted in order to compare the effect different materials on Murrah buffalo calves (n=20) less than 4 months age were selected divided into four groups (5 animals/group), viz. T1: Concrete floor, T2: floor bedded with sand, T3: wheat straw T4: rubber mat. Body weight body measurement (body length, height wither heart girth) taken at fortnightly monthly intervals, respectively. There no significant difference between treatment groups. However, average gain (kg) ADG significantly high reared T3 as compared other groups, though observed T1, T2 T4. length lower T3, however, among T4 relatively non-significant. Moreover, girth higher concrete sand floor. Estimation net profit per calf after reducing cost revealed that it highest followed by mat, least bedding. It can be concluded mat could used effectively over during winter season rearing