Comparative Evaluation of Rice and Maize DDGS on Nutrient Intake, Feed Conversion Ratio and Cost of Feeding in Crossbred Heifers

Authors

  • Abhisek S Tomar Department of Livestock Production Management, College of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry, Kamdhenu University, Anand-388001, Gujarat, India
  • Chirag P Parmar Livestock Research Station, College of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry, Kamdhenu University, Anand-388001, Gujarat, India
  • Ashish C Patel Department of Animal Genetics & Breeding, College of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry, Kamdhenu University, Anand-388001, Gujarat, India
  • Pravin M Lunagariya Associate Professor & Head, Livestock Farm Complex, College of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry, Kamdhenu University, Junagadh-362 001, Gujarat, India.
  • Dilip G Vaghamashi Livestock Farm Complex, College of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry, Kamdhenu University, Junagadh-362001, Gujarat, India
  • Kishan N Wadhwani Livestock Research Station, College of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry, Kamdhenu University, Anand-388001, Gujarat, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.48165/ijvsbt.22.3.05

Keywords:

Crossbred heifers, Distillers dried grains with solubles, Feed conversion ratio, Feeding economics, Intake

Abstract

The present study evaluated the effect of feeding rice- and maize-based Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS) on intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and feeding economics of crossbred heifers. Eighteen crossbred heifers (75% Holstein Friesian × 25% Kankrej, Av. age 13.78±0.38 months, b.wt. 178.54±6.38 kg) were randomly allotted to three dietary treatments: T1 (control TMR without DDGS), T2 (TMR with 10% rice DDGS), and T3 (TMR with 10% maize DDGS), for a period of 112 days. The total mixed rations were iso-nitrogenous and iso-caloric. Dry matter and nutrient intake on daily basis were statistically similar among treatments, while it was higher in maize DDGS (T3) group on percent and metabolic body weight basis. Water intake was also statistically similar in all groups and without adverse effects of DDGS inclusion. The requirement of dry matter per unit body weight gain was significantly higher in the maize-fed crossbred heifers’ group (T3), while feeding cost per unit weight gain was significantly (p<0.05) reduced in maize-DDGS (T3) group. The results indicate that maize DDGS can be incorporated at a 10% level in the diet of crossbred heifers to improve feed economy with higher nutrients intake.

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Published

2026-04-15

Issue

Vol. 22 No. 3 (2026): The Indian Journal of Veterinary Sciences and Biotechnology (IJVSBT) (May-Jun) 2026

Section

Research Article

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Copyright (c) 2026 Indian Journal of Veterinary Sciences and Biotechnology

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How to Cite

Tomar, A. S., Parmar, C. P., Patel, A. C., Lunagariya, P. M., Vaghamashi, D. G., & Wadhwani, K. N. (2026). Comparative Evaluation of Rice and Maize DDGS on Nutrient Intake, Feed Conversion Ratio and Cost of Feeding in Crossbred Heifers . Indian Journal of Veterinary Sciences and Biotechnology, 22(3), 25-29. https://doi.org/10.48165/ijvsbt.22.3.05