Haemato-biochemical Profile of Indigenous Nattukuttai Breed Calves Fed with Varying Levels of Energy and Protein

Aim: The study evaluated the haemato-biochemical profile of indigenous Nattukuttai calves fed varying energy and protein levels. Study Design: Completely Randomized Design. Place and Duration of Study: The trial was conducted over six months at the Conservation Centre for Nattukuttai Cattle, Post graduate Research Institute in Animal Sciences (TANUVAS, Kattupakkam). Methodology: Twenty Nattukuttai calves were allocated to five groups, T1 (grazing only, control), whereas T2, T3, T4 and T5 groups fed with varying levels of energy and protein at 100%, 110%, 90% and 80 % of ICAR (2013) recommendations, respectively. Blood samples (5 mL/calf) were collected via jugular venipuncture at trial end. Results: Haemato-biochemical parameters (RBC, WBC, lymphocytes, monocytes, granulocytes, haemoglobin, haematocrit, MCV, MCH, MCHC, blood glucose, total plasma proteins, albumin, globulin, BUN, creatinine, Ca, P, triglycerides and cholesterol) were analysed and found to remain within established normal ranges for the breed, with no significant differences (p>0.05) across groups. Conclusion: Results indicate that energy/protein variations within the tested levels did not alter the haemato-biochemical profile of Nattukuttai calves