Feeding of oak (Quercus leucotrichophora) leaves and evaluation for its potential inclusion in the feeding of native heifers of Kumaon Himalaya

摘要: After an initial survey on feeds and feeding practices at Kumaon Himalaya, the potential of oak leaves was evaluated in six native heifers (Bos indicus; 101.5 kg BW, 18–24 months) a partial switch-over design involving two animals each treatment time. The treatments involved high low levels (Quercus leucotrichophora, (OL)) supplemented to local mixed grass hay (GH) which were GH (G1), + level (42.5 %) OL (G2) (63.6 (G3). trial for conducted 40 days that ended with digestibility 6-day duration. dry matter (DM) intake (kg/day) non-significantly higher G3 (3.52) than G2 (3.11) G1 (2.96). Intake crude protein (CP) (g/day) significantly (P < 0.001) both G1. DM, CP, organic matter, ether extract total carbohydrates increased linearly OL-fed groups as compared control. digestible nutrients (TDN) 0.05) G1, but it comparable between G2. CP (DCP) TDN/metabolizable energy (ME) per kilogram metabolic body weight 0.01) turn also under had negative gain (−50 g/day) 146 306 g/day G3, respectively. Feeding reduced serum urea creatinine supported concentration better cattle alone lacking sustaining minimum production, whereas combination 36.4:63.6 ratios production (ADG 300 g) near nutritional adequacy major (CP, DCP, TDN, ME) caution minor like calcium phosphorus need be supplemented.