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Open Access
NUTRITIVE EVALUATION OF SQUILLA (Oratosquilla nepa) MEAL IN BROILER CHICKEN DIETS
(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 2000) P. KANAKASABAI; N.Kunjikutty
An experiment was designed and conducted to assess the nutritive value of squilla {Oratosquilla nepd) meal in broiler chicken diet as an animal protein source replacing fish meal protein at three levels viz. zero, 50 and 100 per cent with supplementation of lysine and methionine at 100 per cent level of replacement. One hundred and eighty one-day old straight-run commercial broiler chicks were divided into four groups each with three replicates of fifteen birds and were allotted to four dietary treatments viz. Ti containing 10 per cent unsalted dried fish (control), T2 in which 50 per cent crude protein fi-om dried fish was replaced with squilla meal protein, T3 in which 100 per cent crude protein fi-om dried fish was replaced with squilla meal protein and 14 in which T3 was supplemented with adequate lysine and methionine as per BIS (1992). The rations were made iso proteimic and iso-caloric. The chicks were reared under standard managemental conditions for a period of eight weeks. The birds fed on 100 per cent squilla meal protein diet in replacement of fish meal protein attained significantly lower body weight gain (P <0.01) compared to those in the control (Ti) and 50 per cent squilla meal protein (T2) group at six and eight weeks. Lysine and methionine supplementation in the 100 per cent squilla meal protein diet improved the weight gain of birds to a level comparable to those on 50 per cent squilla meal protein diet. Feed intake and protein intake of birds on various dietary treatments at different ages did not differ significantly (P > 0.05). But the feed conversion efficiency of birds maintained on control diet was significantly higher (P < 0.05) at six weeks and eight weeks (P < 0.01) than those on 100 per cent squilla meal protein diet (2.437 vs 2.68 and 2.72 vs 2.93). Protein efficiency ratio of birds dififered significantly between different treatment groups and the values correlate well with the body weight gain at different ages. Slaughter studies revealed no significant difference (P > 0.05) between the different groups in dressed yield, giblet yield and length of duodenum. However, the abdominal fat was significantly higher (P < 0.01) in control group of birds, while the ready-to-cook yield was significantly less (P < 0.05) in 100 per cent squilla meal protein group. The apparent metabolisable energy content of different rations and daily protein retention of birds showed no significant difference between the different dietary treatments. The cost of production per kilogram of live weight gain of birds maintained on the four dietary treatments fi, 12, I3 I4 were Rs. 26.42, 26.24, 27.25 and 27.79 respectively. Though there was a slight decrease in the cost of production of birds due to incorporation of squilla meal in place of unsalted dried fish at 50 per cent replacement, the difference was insignifieant. However, 100 per cent replacement of fish meal protein with squilla meal protein and amino acid supplementation to the same increased the cost of production (P < 0.01) with no corresponding increase in performance. From the results obtained in the present study it was inferred that squilla meal can be effectively included in broiler chicken diets to replace 50 per cent^fish meal protein witliout affecting growth, feed conversion efficiency and the cost of production.
Open Access
EFFECT OF CITRIC ACID AND MICROBIAL PHYTASE ON PHOSPHORUS UTILIZATION AND GROWTH IN BROILER CHICKEN
(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 2003) T. HARIHARAN; P. Gangadevi
An investigation spread over a period of eight weeks was carried out to study the effect of citric acid and microbial phytase (Natuphos®-5000G) on nutrient utilization and growth performance in broiler chicken. One hundred and ninety two day-old broiler chicks (Ven cob) were divided into four identical groups having four replicates in each group with 12 birds in each replicate and allotted randomly into four dietary treatments viz., Tl, T2,13 and T4. The treatments consisted of a standard broiler ration (SBR) with 0.5 per cent available P (Tl), low available P broiler ration having 0.3 per cent available P (TAPER) and 3.0 per cent citric acid (T2), TAPER supplemented with 700 U of phytase/kg feed (T3) and TAPER with 1.5 per cent citric acid and 350 U of phytase/kg feed (T4). All the rations were formulated as per EIS specifications except in the level of available P. Effect on body weight, weight gain, feed efficiency, protein efficiency, DM retention, nitrogen balance, mineral availability, serum and tibial mineral contents, processing yields and livability of birds were the criteria employed for evaluation. Eody weight and weight gain of the experimental birds were significantly influenced by the dietary treatments. Maximum weight and weight gain were recorded in T4 followed by T2, T3 and Tl in the descending order, indicating the positive and synergistic effects of citric acid and phytase on phosphorus utilization and growth. Cumulative feed intake of experimental birds was significantly (P<0.01) enhanced in the additive supplemented groups over the control, the highest feed intake being noticed in T4 followed by T2, T3 and Tl. Cumulative FCR did not differ significantly (P>0.05) between treatments. However, comparatively better feed efficiency was recorded in citric acid and phytase groups (T2, T3 and T4) at sixth week and comparable values at eighth week with the control group (Tl). Cumulative PER also showed similar trend in eight week with significantly high (P<0.05) PER in T2 and T4 at sixth week. Though not differed significantly, better DM retention, nitrogen balance, per cent retention and reduced nitrogen excretion were noticed in T2, T3 and T4 than Tl. Availability of P, Mg, Zn and Mn were enhanced (P>0.05) in T2, T3 and T4 by citric acid and phytase addition compared to T1 group on SBR. Mg and Mn availability were significantly influenced by dietary treatments with highest availability of Mg and Mn noticed in T3 (P<0.05) followed by T4, T2 and Tl. The excretion of P was significantly reduced (P<0.05) in T2, T3 and 14 on citric acid and /or phytase supplementation. Weight of dried tibia was significantly high (P<0.05) in T4 followed by T2, T3 and Tl at sixth week. Per cent tibial ash at sixth and eighth week were also high (P>0.05) in T2, T3 and T4 compared to Tl on SBR which could indicate that citric acid and/or phytase favour P utilization and bone development. No significant difference could be noticed in tibial and serum Ca, P, Mg, Zn and Mn except for a significantly high tibial Mg (P<0.05) in T4 and serum Zn (P<0.05) in T3 at sixth week. Serum alkaline phosphatase was significantly reduced (P<0.01) with maximum reduction in T4 followed by T3, T2 and Tl. Birds of citric acid, phytase and combination group though maintained on low P diet registered no significant difference in per cent dressed yield, ready-to-cook yield, giblet yield, abdominal fat yield and livability, when compared to Tl fed on SBR. Regarding the cost of production as feed cost/kg gain, phytase group (T3) recorded the lowest due to high cost citric acid. Overall evaluation of the results of the present study revealed that inclusion of either 3.0 per cent citric acid or phytase (700U/kg feed) or its combination (1.5 per cent citric acid + 350 U phytase/kg feed) in low available P diet (0.3 per cent) resulted in better nutrient utilization and growth performance in chicks than chicks maintained on SBR with 0.5 per cent available P; tending to suggest that available P level in the feed could be reduced by 40 per cent without affecting the performance and health of broiler chicks by dietary inclusion of citric acid and/or phytase.
Open Access
EFFECT OF BAKER'S YEAST ON GROWTH AND NUTRIENT UTILIZATION IN CROSSBRED (LARGE WHITE YORKSHIRE X DESI) PIGS
(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 2003) SEKAR, M.; T.V. viswanathan
A study was carried out to assess the innuence of baker's yeast culture on growth performance, digestibility of nutrients and carcass characteristics in Large White Yorkshire x Desi (75;25) crossbred pigs. Thirty weaned piglets (15 barrows and 15 gilts) with an average body weight of 13.5 kg were divided ,nto three homogeneous groups with regard to age, sex and body weight. Ten piglets In each group were randomly distributed into five replicates of two piglets each. The three groups were randomly allotted to three dietary treatments viz., T,control (standard ration), Tj- control diet supplemented with 0.25 per cent baker's yeast culture and T,- control diet supplemented with 0.5 per cent baker's yeast culture. The piglets were fed on their respective grower rations which contained 18 per cent crude protein and 3200 kcal digestible energy per kg until they attained an average body weight of 50 kg and thereafter changed to finisher rations which contained 14 per cent crude protein and 3100 kcal digestible energy per kg until the pigs were slaughtered. A digestibility trial was conducted towards the end of the experiment using chromic oxide as external indicator. On completion of seven months of age six pigs from each treatment were slaughtered to study the carcass characteristics. Average daily gain of 352, 383 and 405 g were recorded for the groups T,, T2 and T3, respectively. The pigs fed with diet containing 0.5 per cent baker's yeast (T3) had higher (P<0.05) average daily gain than those fed with unsupplemented diet (T,). But, there was no significant difference between T, and T2 as well as T2 and T3. However, there was a trend for a higher average daily gain for those fed 0.25 per cent yeast culture (T2) over those fed control diet (Ti). Feed conversion efficiency was 4.36, 4.05 and 3.83 for the groups Ti, T2 and T3, respectively. The pigs fed with diets containing 0.25 (T2) and 0.5 per cent baker's yeast (T3) had higher (P<0.01) feed conversion efficiency than those fed with unsupplemented diet (T,). The digestibility coefficient for dry matter and ether extract were significantly higher (P<0.05) for pigs fed 0.5 per cent yeast culture thau those fed with unsuppletttented diet and there was no s.gnificant difference between T, and Tr or Tr and T„ Pigs fed diet containing 0,5 per cent baker's yeast had higher (P<0.05) crude fibre digestibility than those fed with the diets eonuining 0 and 0.25 per cent yeast culture. Study of the carcass characteristics revealed that the dressing percentage, carcass length, back fat thickness and ioin eye area were not significantly influenced by the inclusion of yeast culture at different ieveis. The cost of feed per kg live weight gam was Rs.36.63, 35.52 and 34.99, respectively for the treatments Ti, T; and T3. Fee cost per kg live weight gain was lower in T, compared to other treatments. It is concluded that baker's yeast can be economically included at 0.5 per cent level in the diet for better growth and feed conversion efficiency in crossbred pigs.
Open Access
INFLUENCE OF DIFFERENT LEVELS OF ENERGY ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF CROSSBRED PIGS
(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES Mannuthy - Thrissur, 2001) REKHA, P.; George Mathew
An experiment was conducted to assess the influence of different le\'els of energy on the growth performance of crossbred (Large White Yorkshire x Desi) pigs. Fifteen male (castrated) and fifteen female weaned crossbred piglets with an average body weight of 12.9 kg were divided into three equal groups as uniformly as possible with regard to age, sex and body weight. The three groups of piglets were maintained on three rations with 16 per cent crude protein but differing in their energy content, viz., 2800 kcal (Tl), 3000 kcal (T2) and 3200 kcal (T3) of digestible energy (DE) per kg.The average daily gains recorded for the three groups Tl, T2 and T3 were 262.9, 302.0 and 362.8 g respectively. The cumulative feed conversion efficiencies were 6.0, 5.2 and 4.1 for the groups Tl, T2 and T3 respectively. The values recorded for T3 were higher (P<0.01) than those for Tl and T2. The digestibility coefficients of nutrients except that of crude fibre and crude protein were found to improve with increase in the energy content of the rations. Study of the carcass traits revealed that the body weight at slaughter and dressed weight without head improved as the energy content of the rationsincreased. However, dressing percentage, carcass length and back fat thickness were not significantly influenced by the energy content of the ration. The cost of feed per kg weight gain of animals was significantly lower (P<0.01) for the dietary treatment T3 compared to that of T2 and Tl, the values being Rs.49.90, 43.30 and 34.10 for Tl, T2 and T3 respectively. The above results indicate that crossbred pigs require 3200 kcal of DE/kg of the ration for better growth performance provided the crude protein level is maintained at 16 per cent.
Open Access
EFFECT OF DIETARY POTASSIUM DIFORMATE ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE IN LARGE WHITE YORKSHIRE PIGS
(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 2003) SURESH, M.
A study was carried out to assess the influence of potassium diformate on growth performance, digestibility of nutrients and carcass quality in Large White Yorkshire pigs. Thirty weaned male piglings with an average live weight of 13.0 kg were divided into three equal groups as uniform as possible with regard to age and body weight. Pigs were maintained on three experimental diets viz., Ti control standard grower (18 per cent crude protein and 3150 kcal/kg ME) and finisher ration (15.5 per cent crude protein and 3100 kcal/kg ME), T2 - control diet supplemented with 0.75 per cent potassium diformate and T3 - control diet supplemented with 1.5 per cent potassium diformate. The average daily gain of 465, 494 and 519 g were recorded for the groups Ti, T2 and T3, respectively. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) between the supplemented group and the group fed control diet. However, there was a trend for a higher growth rate of 6.2 per cent and 11.7 per cent, reported for T2 and T3 over those fed control diet. The average cumulative feed conversion efficiency were 3.97, 3.74 and 3.55 for the groups Ti, T2 and T3, respectively. Addition of potassium diformate at 0.75 and 1.5 per cent level in the diet of growing-finishing pigs had a higher (P<0.01) feed conversion efficiency over those fed control diet. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) between the supplemented groups. However, there was a trend for a higher feed efficiency for those fed 1.5 per cent potassium diformate supplemented diet. The digestibility coefficients for dry matter, ether extract, crude protein and nitrogen free extract were significantly higher (P<0.01) for pigs fed with diet supplemented with potassium diformate at both the levels (0.75 and 1.5 per cent). There was no significant difference between the supplemented groups. Dressing percentage, carcass length, back fat thickness, loin eye area and others were not significantly influenced (P>0.05) by the inclusion of potassium diformate at different levels. The costs of feed per kg live weight gain of pigs were Rs.32.82, 32.05 and 31.50, respectively for Ti, T2 and T3. The above results indicate that potassium diformate can be economically incorporated at 1.5 per cent level in the diet of Large White Yorkshire pigs.
Open Access
EFFECT OF PARTICLE SIZE OF MAIZE ON THE GROWTH PERFORiViANCE AND DiGESTIBILITY OF NUTRIENTS IN CROSSBRED (LARGE WHITE YORKSHIRE x DESI) PIGS
(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES Mannuthy - Thrissur, 2000) VASUDEVAN, G; Viswanathan, T.V; VASUDEVAN, G
An investigation was carried out to assess the influence of particle size of maize on the growth performance, digestibility of nutrients and carcass quality in crossbred pigs. Twenty four female weaned crossbred (Large White Yorkshire x Desi) piglings with an average live weight of 14.5 kg were divided into three groups (Ti, Tj and Tj) of eight animals as uniformly as possible. They were mamtained on the same diet containing maize with the particle size of 3 mm, 1 mm and <0.1 mm, respectively for a period of five months. The average daily gains of 317, 335 and 373 g were recorded for the groups Ti, Tj and Tj, respectively. The cumulative feed conversion ratios were 5.38, 5.08 and 4.57 for the groups Ti, T2 and T3, respectively. Fmely ground maize m the diet of growing-finishmg pigs improved average daily gain and feed conversion efficiency by 6 per cent each over medium ground maize and by 18 per cent and 15 per cent over coarsely ground maize, respectively. As the particle size of maize reduced an overall improvement m the digestibility of nutrients was observed. The pigs fed diet containing finely ground maize showed better nutnent digestibility than those fed with coarse or medium ground maize. Results of the studies on carcass traits revealed that there was no significant difference in the dressing percentage, carcass length, back fat thickness and loin eye area due to variation in the particle size of maize. Cost of feed per kg live weight of animals in the three groups Ti, T2 and T3 were Rs. 42.34, 40.49 and 37.11, respectively. This decrease in cost of feed per kg weight gain of pigs with reduction m the particle size of maize is due to better feed conversion efficiently as a result of increased nutnent digestibility. The above results confirm the positive influence of fine grinding of maize on the growth performance, feed conversion efficiency and nutrient digestibility in cross bred pigs. The additional benefit of reduced nutrient excretion due to increased digestibility will make swine husbandry more eco-friendly.
Open Access
UTILISATION OF DRIED CUTTLE FISH (Sepia officialis) WASTE SILAGE FOR GROWTH IN CROSSBRED (LARGE WHITE YORKSHIRE X DESI) PIGS
(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 2003) SAKTHIVEL, P. C.; Mercy, A.D.
An experiment was conducted to assess the effect of dried cuttle Tish waste silage, on growth, feed conversion efficiency, digestibility of nutrients, carcass characteristics and economics of gain in growing and finishing pigs. Fifteen male and fifteen female weaned crossbred (Large White Yorkshire x Desi, 50 per cent) piglets with an average body weight of 13.50 kg were divided into three homogeneous groups of ten piglets in each, with regard to age, sex and body weight. The three groups of piglets were maintained for 152 days on three isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets T), T2 and T3 in which crude protein from unsalted dried fish was replaced by the protein of dried cuttle fish waste silage at 0, 50 and 100 per cent level. The piglets on the three groups were fed their respective grower rations which contained 18 per cent crude protein and 3200 kcal digestible energy per kg until they attained an average body weight of 50 kg and thereafter changed to finisher rations containing 14 per cent crude protein and 3100 kcal digestible energy per kg until the animals were slaughtered. A digestibility trial was conducted towards the end of the experiment using chromic oxide added at 0.05 per cent to each diet as external indicator. At the end of the experiment six animals from each treatment were slaughtered randomly to study the carcass characteristics. The animals maintained under the three dietary treatments Ti, T2 and T3 had almost similar growth rate (P>0.05) with a cumulative average daily gain of 370.31, 353.15 and 364.90 g, respectively. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in cumulative feed conversion efficiency between groups, the values being 4.16, 4.28 and 4.26 for the three dietary treatments Ti, T2 and T3, respectively. The digestibility coefficients of dry matter and crude protein were higher for the diets T3 and T, than that of T2, respectively. The digestibility coefficients of ether extract, crude ftbre and nitrogen free extract were similar for the three diets Ti, T2 and T3. Dressing percentage and carcass characteristics such as carcass length, back fat thickness, loin eye area, meat pereentagc and meat bone ratio were not significantly influenced by the inclusion ot dried cuttle tlsh waste silage. The cost of feed per kg live weight gain of pigs in the three dietary treatments T|, T2 and T3 were Rs.35.15, 34.40 and 32.25. respectively. The dietary treatments Tt and T3 were economically efficient at 2 and 8 per cent over Ti The above results indicate that the dried cuttle fish waste silage can be used economically as a substitute for unsalted dried fish in the rations of growing and finishing pigs on protein basis, without any adverse effect on growth rate, feed conversion efficiency, digestibility of nutrients and carcass characteristics.
Open Access
EFFECT OF SUPPLEMENTATION OF DRIED YEAST ('NEUTRAMIX-MDY") ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF PRE-RUMINANT CALVES
(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 2002) ASITHA, T. V.; Mercy, A.D.
An experiment was conducted to study the effect of dietary supplementation of dned yeast ("Neutramix-MDY") on growth performance of pre-ruminant calves. Twelve calves of one week to one month of age were distributed into two groups of six calves each, as uniformly as possible with regard to age, sex and body weight, with one group receiving the control diet (calf starter, grass and milk) and the other group receiving dried yeast ("Neutramix-MDY") @ 20g/day along with the control diet. The final body weight (kg) and average daily gain (g/day) were 72.5 and 247 for control group and 76.2 and 284 for treatment group dunng the tnal penod. Though there was no statistically significant difference between the control and the treatment group, there was a numerical increase in both the parameters in treatment animals. The average feed to gam ratio was 4.94 and 4.60 for the control and treatment group respectively. There was no improvement in dry matter, crude protein, acid detergent fibre and neutral detergent fibre digestibilities in yeast fed group over the control. Haematological parameters such as blood glucose, plasma protein, calcium and phosphorus were unaffected by the dietary treatment. The above results indicate that supplementation of yeast culture to the diets of pre ruminant calves had no statistically significant effect on animal performance.
Open Access
INFLUENCE OF LEVEL AND DEGRADABILITY OF DIETARY PROTEIN ON EARLY LACTATION IN CROSSBRED COWS
(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR, 2003) ALLY., K.; Mercy, A. D.
A stud\- was conducted in two phases to assess the influence of level and degradability of dietaiy protein on early lactation in crossbred cows. In phase 1. eighteeen crossbred cows in earh' lactation (within one month of lactation) were selected and grouped into three as uniformly as possible with regard to age. sex. paritx. prexious production and stage of lactation and xvere fed with the experimental rations comprising of concentrate mixtures having 26. 20 and 17 per cent CP on DM basis and paddy straw, xvhich were fed in the ratio 70:30 of total DM. The three rations contained 20. 15.41 and 13.2 per cent CP and 63.86. 61.28 and 62.5 per cent TDN on DM. respectively. Individual records of dailv intakes ol concentrate and paddx straw, dailx milk production, fortnightlx data on bodx weight and milk composition were maintained throughout the experimental period of 100 days. Blood samples were collected for assessing levels of haemoglobin, blood glucose, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), plasma calcium and plasma phosphorus. Rumen liquor samples were collected for assessing pH. rumen ammonia nitrogen (NH^-N). total xolatile fattx acid (TVFA) and lactic acid contents. A digestibility trial was conducted toxxards the end of experiment and reproductixe performance of the animals during the experimental period was also assessed. The average dry matter intake (DMI) of animals in the first group (2.99 per cent of body weight) was lower (P<0.05) than those of group II and III (3.54 and 3.79 per cent of the body weight, respectively). The body weight of animals of the three groups were similar, except in the fourth and sixth fortnight, when the weight of animals in the second group was significantly higher (P<0.01) than those of first and third. There were no significant differences in the milk production or composition between the groups during the course of studx. except during the fifth fortnight, milk fat content of group III was loxxer (P<0.05) than that of groups I and II. The pH and lactic acid contents of the rumen liquor 144 collected from animals of group I were higher (P<0.05) than those of groups II and III. while the rumen NH3-N concentration was lower (P<0.05) for the third group than that ol the first and second groups. There was no significant difference on the blood parameters such as haemoglobin, blood glucose, plasma calcium and plasma phosphorus, between the groups while the blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level in the 50"" day collection was significantly higher (P<0.01) in the second group than that of the third group. The digestibilit)' coefficient of the nutrients such as ether e.xtract (EE), crude fibre ( CF). neutral detergent fibre (NDE) and acid detergent fibre (ADF) were significantly higher (P<0.01) in the first group. All the animals in the second group and one each in the first and third group conceived during the experimental period. The average number of days from cah ing to first AI of the animals of the three groups were 122. 79.4 and 80. respecti\el\. the difference being nonsignificant. The cost of producing one kg milk in the three groups fed 20. 15.41 and 13.2 per cent CP rations was Rs. 7.79. 7.91 and 7.71. respectively. Results of the study suggest that CP level of 13.2 per cent in the total ration was sufficient to meet the requirements of cows in earh lactation, producing a peak of 10 kg milk. During phase II. 12 crossbred cows in early lactation (within one month of lactation) were selected and grouped into two as uniformly as possible as done in phase I. They were fed 17 per cent CP concentrate mixture' with two levels of undegradable protein (UDP) (26.8 and 42.9 per cent of CP) and paddy straw as the roughage in 70:30 ratio. The rations had 64.33 and 66.98 per cent TON respectively on DM basis. The experiment was conducted similar to that of phase I for a period of 100 days. In addition to the parameters estimated in the first phase, milk urea nitrogen also was estimated. There was no significant difference in the body weight of animals of the two groups during the experiment. The weekly average DMI was significantl\ higher (P< 0.01) in the first group from the third week of experimental period. The milk 145 production of the animals of the two groups was significantly different during the second and fourteenth week (P<0.01). during the seventh, eighth and thirteenth week (P<0.05) and during the ninth, eleventh and twelfth week (P=0.06). There uas no significant difference in the milk constituents between the two groups except for the fat and total solids which were higher (P<0.01) for the first group. Fhere was no significant difference in the protein and urea nitrogen levels in the milk, or any of the rumen parameters studied except for the rumen NH3-N level uhich was significanth higher (P<0.01) in group I. Except for a significantly higher (P<0.01) blood glucose le\ el in the first group on the 50"' day collection, there was no significant difference in the blood parameters studied between the groups. The digestibilit>- coefficient of the nutrients of the two rations were not different, except EE. which was higher (P<0.01) for the second ration. The reproducti\ e performance of the animals were not affected by the UDP level of the ration since three animals of the first group and two animals of first group conceived during the experimental period. Howe\ er the a\'erage days from calving to first service was numerically lower, though not significant, for the animals of the second group (90.7 in the first group and 74.8 in the second). The cost of production of one kg milk in the two groups was Rs. 6.33 and 7.36. respectively. The ration containing higher UDP (42.9 per cent of CP of concentrate mixture) maintained the milk production better than the low UDP ration, but the cost of production was also higher for high UDP fed group. From the overall results obtained in the present study it could be concluded that a level of 13.2 per cent of CP in the total ration was sufficient for meeting the protein requirements of early lactating crossbred cows producing around 10 kg per da\ . Increasing the UDP level from 26.6 to 42.9 per cent of the CP maintained production better, but cost of milk production was higher indicating that it is not economical to pro\ide high UDP ration for cows when the average daily production is around 10 kg

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