Dietary Protein Restriction on Growth and Immuno-biochemical Response of Crossbred Calves during Post-ruminant Phase of Life

Sixteen crossbred (Bos indicus${\times}$Bos taurus) calves were randomly distributed in two groups (NP and LP) of eight calves each to study the effect of restricted (75%) protein supply on growth and immuno-biochemical response as an indicator of production and health of under-nourished animals during 3 to 9 months of age. The normal requirement of protein was provided to group NP and a less of 25% to group LP through calculated amount of concentrate and roughage in their daily ration. Assessment was made for weekly change in live weight, periodic alteration in blood metabolites and immunological status at six months of age in calves. An initial (during 3 to 6 months of age) depression (p<0.05) in growth was seen in low protein fed group (LP) compared to NP, which became non-significant in the later period of life (6 to 9 months of age). There was no significant effect on haemoglobin, total protein, albumin and globulin concentration except that of urea, which was decreased significantly (p<0.05) in animals fed on low protein diet ($19.83{\pm}1.25$ vs $25.93{\pm}1.29mg/dl$). The treatment effect that was seen in different periods of life was not uniform for other parameters except for urea, which showed a regular depression in LP compared to NP. The assessment of immunological status by indirect haemagglutination (IHA) test against Pasteurella multocida (P52 strain) was considerably (p<0.05) reduced in animals on LP ration compared to those on NP. It is thus argued that with poor nutrition (low protein) and state of compromised immunological response the production and health of the animals will be adversely affected.