Abstract

The objective of current study was to evaluate the growth performance of Sahiwal calves fed either milk or milk replacer (MR),
offering at 10% vs.15% of their live body weight (BW). Thirty two male Sahiwal calves were randomly divided equally into
four dietary treatments having 8 animals in each. The calves were fed either milk or MR and offered at either 10% or 15% of
BW but not exceeding 5 L/d and 6 L/d, respectively until week 8. The amount of liquid offered was then reduced gradually to
zero and the calves were weaned at 10 weeks of age. Calves were offered a calf starter (CS) ration having 19% CP with 2.9
Mcal ME/kg DM, from week second until each calf reached 120 kg. Average daily gain (ADG) was higher (600?12 vs. 553?12
g/d; P < 0.05) among milk-fed group compared to those fed MR; calves served liquid at 15% of BW were not different (591?12
vs. 562?12 g/d; P > 0.05) from those served 10% of BW. Calves fed milk reached target weight earlier (23.1 vs. 25.4 weeks;
P < 0.05) than those fed MR; though no effect was noted for levels of feeding. Total production cost was highest (Rs.
41734?305) in calves fed milk at 15% of BW and was lowest (Rs.29900?305) in calves fed MR at 10% of BW. (.). Cost/ kg
live weight gain was highest (Rs. 345?2.8) among those fed milk at 15% of BW and was lowest (Rs. 245?2.8) in those offered
MR at 10% of BW. Thus, feeding Sahiwal calves MR at 10% of BW is economical; however, it delayed the days to reach the
target weight.