Does Feeder Type Influence the Performance of Stable and Mixed Bucks in Stall Fed System?

Subject Areas : Camel

G. Kaur ¹ , S. Kaswan ² , C. Singh ³ , M. Singla ⁴ , A. Sharma ⁵ , S.K. Dash ⁶ , J.S. Lamba ⁷

1 - Department of Livestock Production Management, College of Veterinary Science, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Science University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
2 - Department of Livestock Production Management, College of Veterinary Science, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Science University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India|Department of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Extension Education, College of Veterinary Science, Rampura Phul, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
3 - Department of Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Veterinary Science, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Science University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
4 - Department of Livestock Production Management, College of Veterinary Science, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Science University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
5 - Department of Livestock Production Management, College of Veterinary Science, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Science University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
6 - Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Veterinary Science, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Science University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
7 - Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary Science, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Science University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India

Received: 2022-11-14 Accepted : 2023-02-25 Published : 2023-09-01

Keywords: welfare, Wastage, Mixing, beetal, feeder,

Abstract :

Present investigation was conducted to assess the effect of two feeder types (hexagonal vs. linear) on performance of stable (before mixing) and mixed Beetal bucks. In first trial, stable bucks were studied for 4-week period at hexagonal (BH) vs. linear (BL) feeder (n=6 each). In second trial, after rearing 4 weeks on two feeder types, half (3) of the bucks {1 high, 1 intermediate and 1 low ranked in social hierarchy} from both the groups were interchanged to form two mixed groups (hexagonal and linear mixed bucks i.e. BHM and BLM), which were observed for 2 weeks period. Bucks were observed for weight gain, body condition score (BCS), daily feed intake, feed wastage, injuries and blood biochemical parameters. Blood samples were collected at weekly interval before regrouping period and at day 1 (regrouping), 3, 7 and 14 after regrouping. Body weight (BW) and dimensions of adult bucks had no influence of feeder type during premixing as well as post-mixing. Feed intake as well as wastage (green fodder) too did not differ statistically though overall feed wastage was numerically higher at hexagonal feeder. Injuries and lameness incidences were relatively more at hexagonal feeder (BH : BL :: 1 : 0 and BHM : BLM :: 3 : 1). Blood biochemical indicators of stress did not differ between the groups. Stable and regrouped Beetal bucks had similar performance indicators at both types of feeders with minor welfare advantages at linear feeder.

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