Studies on growth performance and semen characteristics of bulls fed unconventional fodder (Leucaena leucocephala and Desmanthus virgatus)

Authors

  • Dattatrya V. Rangnekar The Bharatiya Agro-Industries Foundation, Uruli-Kanchan, Dist. Poona, Maharashtra, India
  • Madhukar R. Bhosrekar The Bharatiya Agro-Industries Foundation, Uruli-Kanchan, Dist. Poona, Maharashtra, India
  • Avinash L. Joshi The Bharatiya Agro-Industries Foundation, Uruli-Kanchan, Dist. Poona, Maharashtra, India
  • Sharad T. Kharat The Bharatiya Agro-Industries Foundation, Uruli-Kanchan, Dist. Poona, Maharashtra, India
  • Balkrishna N. Sobale The Bharatiya Agro-Industries Foundation, Uruli-Kanchan, Dist. Poona, Maharashtra, India
  • Vasant C. Badve The Bharatiya Agro-Industries Foundation, Uruli-Kanchan, Dist. Poona, Maharashtra, India

Keywords:

Bulls, Leucaena leucocephala, Desmanthus virgatus, Growth, Sperm

Abstract

Growth performance and seminal attributes of bull calves fed Leucaena or Desmanthus with limited concen-trate mixture were measured over six months. Growth rate was significantly higher in animals fed Leucaena (735 g day-1) than those fed Desmanthus (543 g day-1). The digestibility coefficients for dry matter, organic matter, crude protein and energy were higher for Leucaena than for Desmanthus. The concentration of sperm was significantly higher in Jersey bulls than in Holstein bulls. There were no breed or treatment differences in ejaculate volume, motility, fructolysis index, Ca, Mg, and P contents in the semen. No toxicity symptoms were observed in the animals fed on Leucaena.

Downloads

How to Cite

Rangnekar, D. V., Bhosrekar, M. R., Joshi, A. L., Kharat, S. T., Sobale, B. N., & Badve, V. C. (1983). Studies on growth performance and semen characteristics of bulls fed unconventional fodder (Leucaena leucocephala and Desmanthus virgatus). Tropical Agriculture, 60(4). Retrieved from https://journals.sta.uwi.edu/ojs/index.php/ta/article/view/2440

Issue

Volume 60 Number 4

Section

Research Papers