Effect of Sheanut Cake Based Complete Diet on Mineral Balance in Graded Murrah Buffalo Calves

Minerals have an important role to play in growth and productive performance of the animals. The present study aimed to analyze the effect of sheanut cake (SNC) and palm press fiber (PPF) inclusion at different levels in the complete diets of buffalo calves on maintaining mineral balance. The experiment was conducted on 18 graded Murrah buffalo calves in 2 x 2 x 2 Latin Square Design (LSD). Three experimental diets, D-I (conventional ration), D-II (complete diet with 18.5% SNC and 20% PPF) and D-III (complete diet with 28% SNC and 15% PPF) were fed to the three groups of animals. The experimental animals were subjected to fourteen days adaptation period followed by 7 days collection period with a switch over period of 21 days. The concentrations of nitrogen (N), calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) in dung and urine samples were analyzed. There were significant differences (P < 0.01) in the N, Ca and P balances in the buffalo calves fed with PPF-SNC based complete diet when compared to conventional diet fed animals. The nitrogen and calcium balances were significantly higher at 28% SNC & 15% PPF in the complete diet while the phosphorus balance was significantly higher at 18.5% SNC and 20% PPF. The results of the present study indicated that the SNC (unconventional feed resource) can be safely included in the buffalo calf ration without affecting the mineral balance in the body.