Comparative Growth Performance of Calves of Different Cattle Breeds Under a Feedlot Fattening System

Male cattle calves (n=24), 9-12 months age, with an average body weight of 120 {\pm} 20 kg were fed total mixed rations (TMR) for 120 days to determine their growth performance. Animals were divided into four groups (six of each breed): Crossbred (Friesian${\times}$Sahiwal), Dhanni, Lohani, and Cholistani. The data obtained were analyzed using analysis of variance techniques under a completely randomized design. The average daily gain (ADG), feed efficiency (FE), and dressing percentage ranged from 639-892 g/d, 0.105-0.155 kg/kg, and 51.2-51.5%, respectively, in the different breeds. The ADG and FE did not differ between the Crossbred, Dhanni, and Lohani breeds, but these values were lower in Cholistani calves (P<0.05). The dressing percentage was similar in all breeds. The highest increase in body height was observed in Dhanni calves, but heart girth was obviously higher in Lohani calves. The feed cost per kg gain was higher for Cholistani calves but similar among Crossbred, Dhanni, and Lohani calves (P>0.05). In conclusion, Dhanni, Lohani, and Crossbred calves possess the promising potential for beef production under the rainfed (Barani) conditions of the Punjab.