Response of camels and cow calves to 100% and 50% roughage rations fed consequently

Abstract

The results illustrated that with feeding 100% R ration camels could utilize available nutrients better than calves, and although the maintenance level of CP was not met for both species, camels exert higher resistance in losing weight than calves (− 93.7 vs. − 160.7 g/d). Shifting camels and calves on 50% R ration showed nearly similar nutritive values and comparable daily weight gain (942.75 g for camels and 968.50 g for calves). Feed conversion efficiency as Mcal ME and g DCP/kg gain was, respectively, 18.39 and 527 for camels and 18.42 and 555 for calves. Blood serum biochemical constituents were improved with 50% R than 100% R ration particularly for calves. Blood protein of camels was not influenced by changing ration. Urea concentration was higher in camel’s blood than calves with either 100% or 50% R rations. Camels clearly had lower contents of cholesterol and triglycerides than calves under the two feeding regimes.