Evaluation of the Growth Performance of RCC Growing Bull through the Replacement of Concentrate with Green Grasses

Abstract

Valuable indigenous bovine genetic resources, like Red Chittagong cattle (RCC), have better growth potentiality. Based on the hypothesis, the study was conducted to determine the low-cost feeding system, assessing the growth performance and economic viability of RCC growing bull. Eighteen RCC bulls (n=18), aged 15-18 months, were divided into three dietary groups; control group-(T1) having 40% concentrate supplementation, group-1 (T2) 10% concentrate lower than T1 and group-2 (T3) 20% concentrate lower than T1 in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with two block and three replications. The average initial live weight of RCC growing bulls in each group was 112.25 kg, 117 kg, and 109 kg, respectively. The collected data were analyzed with one-way ANOVA to determine significant mean differences and mean comparisons were estimated by Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) by using SPSS 22. The research result revealed that average live weight gain was significantly (p<0.05) higher in group 1 (0.64 kg/d) followed by the control group (0.56 kg/d) and group 2 (0.51 kg/d). Additionally, feed cost was found significantly (p<0.05) lower in group-2 (6660.7 BDT) compared to group-1 (8307.9 BDT) and control group (9316.1 BDT) respectively. Moreover, the feed conversion ratio was found significantly (p<0.05) lower in group 1 (6.1) than control group (6.7) and group 2 (7.1). Additionally, the results also exhibited that, Net return was significantly (p<0.05) higher in group-1 (12137.49 BDT) followed by group-2 (9676.3 BDT) and control group (8461.4 BDT). Considering the research findings, it might be concluded that a supply of green roughage with 30% concentrate mixtures could be used for profitable RCC growing bull rearing.