| Abstract: | A trial was performed with cellulase administration (3 cx per g of ingested feed dry matter) to early weaned calves fed minimum amounts of milk replacer (21 kg per milk nutrition period) and sweet (C, D) and sour (A, B) diets. The groups B and D were supplemented with an enzyme till the age of 90 days. The calves were given free choice of COT concentrate mixture, hay and water. Liveweight gains, feed and nutrient intake and health condition of calves were the characteristics investigated in this trial. Hematocrit value, hemoglobin, glucose and urea contents were determined in blood, in blood plasma buffer capacity was investigated. Although the differences in calf performance are not statistically significant, the best growth of calves in the vegetable nutrition period was observed in calves in group D. Nutrient conversion was also higher in calves of group D in the vegetable nutrition period. In conversion of nutrient consumption per 1 kg liveweight gain the difference in the intake of digestible crude protein and starch units between the group of calves fed sweet milk without enzyme addition in the milk nutrient period (A--digestible crude protein 0.40 +/- 0.005; starch units 1.74 +/- 0.008) and group D (sour diet + 3 cx cellulase--digestible crude protein 0.34 +/- 0.007; starch units 1.52 +/- 0.044) was statistically significant (P less than 0.025 and P less than 0.05) in favour of group D. An analysis of the results of hematological and biochemical investigations during the trial demonstrates that the sour diet is better in view of changes in glucose concentrations.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) |
