Subabul Leaf Meal (Leucaena leucocephala): Effects on Growth Performance, Feed Conversion Efficiency and Economy in Growing Calves

Abstract

A 90-day feeding trial was conducted at the Instructional Livestock Farm (Cattle), College of Veterinary Science, Khanapara, Assam Agricultural University, to evaluate the effect of including dried subabul (Leucaena leucocephala) leaf meal on growth performance, feed efficiency, nutrient intake, and feeding economy in crossbred calves. Eighteen crossbred (Jersey × Holstein Friesian) calves, irrespective of sex, were randomly divided into three groups (T₀, T₁ and T₂), with six animals in each group. The control group (T₀) was fed a conventional diet, while T₁ and T₂ were fed diets containing 5% and 10% dried subabul leaf meal, respectively. The results showed that average body weight increased in all groups, with no significant difference (P > 0.05), although numerically higher values were observed in T₂. Total body weight gain and average daily gain were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in T₂ (20.12 kg and 239.52 g, respectively) than in T₀ (17.35 kg and 206.54 g), with T₁ showing intermediate values. Dry matter intake did not differ significantly among the groups, indicating that subabul inclusion did not affect feed intake. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) also did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) but was numerically improved in group T₂. When daily weight gain was compared among treatment groups, the cost of feed per kg live-weight gain was Rs. 196.05, 170.94 and 152.61 in groups T0, T1 and T2, respectively, and the corresponding relative costs per kg live-weight gain were 100%, 87.18% and 77.83%, respectively. The study indicated that inclusion of dried subabul leaf meal at up to 10% of the diet improved growth performance and feed efficiency and reduced feeding costs without affecting feed intake, suggesting its potential as an economical alternative protein source for growing calves.