PRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE, RUMINAL AND BLOOD METABOLIC RESPONSES OF BUFFALO CALVES TO GLYCOGENIC PRECURSORS SUPPLEMENTATION

The object of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplementing propylene glycol (PG) and calcium propionate (Ca-pr) as energy source on performance, ruminal fermentation, and some metabolic parameters of fifteen Egyptian buffalo male calves average body weight (LBW) 212.27 ±8.684 kg divided into three similar groups (5/each) based on LBW, the
experimental animal in the 1st group control drenched at 3 liters of saline solution (Nacl 0.9%) without addition, while, the 2nd group (PG) drenched 300mL of propylene glycol dissolved in 3 liters of (Nacl 0.9%) and the 3rd group (Ca-pr) drenched with 335g of calcium propionate dissolved in 3 liters of (Nacl 0.9%). Calves administered through esophagus via esophagus feeder tube twice/weekly for 6 months experimental period. Statistical analysis revealed that the administration of Ca-pr and PG increased (P<0.05) total gain and average daily gain while, DM and TDN feed conversion decreased (P<0.05). Moreover, feed intake remained un-affected among treatments. Ruminal pH and calculated eNDF values lower (P<0.05) in Ca-pr drenched calves' than PG and control treatments. On the contrary, total VFA's, NH3-N concentrations, buffering capacity values and ruminal molar proportion of propionate and butyrate tended to be greater in Ca-pr group than animals receiving other treatments however, acetatedidn't affectbytreatments. Ca-pr and PG groups decreased (P<0.05) in NEFAplasma and ß-hydroxybutyrate levels while, plasma glucose, serum insulin concentration and glucose to insulin ratio were more significantly (P<0.05) than control group during the experimental period. In brief Ca-pr and PG additives had beneficial impact on performance and some metabolic parameters buffalo male calves so; it could be used partially as energy supply in their diets.