Voluntary feed intake, serum profile, growth performance and economics of weaned camel calves

Six camel calves (3 Jaisalmeri and 3 Kutchchi) were weaned at 4.5 months of age. The calves had average body weight of 132.4 kg at 4.5 months of age and were raised on dry chaffed Cyamopsis tetragonoloba adlib and weighed quantity of Cynodon dactylon grass and concentrate mixture till 9 months of age. Average voluntary dry matter intake was 3.60 kg/d or 2.31 kg/100kg DMI. Significant (P<0.05) lower serum total protein, urea and triglycerides levels but higher levels of phosphorus and chloride at 6th month of age than at 9th month of age were observed. The calves gained 56 kg over 139 days or 402.83 g/d with feed efficiency (DMI kg/kg body weight gain) of 8.78. The results indicated that weaning was more economical and resulted in saving of Rs. 10162.06.