Effect of Level of Concentrate Supplement on Blood Biochemical Changes and Testosterone Level in Crossbred (Bos indicusi×Bos taurus) Calves

A growth study was conducted for 238 days in twenty crossbred cattle calves to observe the effect of dietary concentrate supplement on blood biochemical changes and serum testosterone levels. The calves were divided into four groups (A, B, C and D) of five animals each. Calves of groups A and B were fed 60% and 30% concentrate, respectively, supplying equal amount of protein along with wheat straw. The calves in group C received 30% concentrate in their diet for 1 to 119 days of experiment and 60% concentrate during 120~238 days of experiment and vice versa in group D. Mean DM and TDN intake were significantly higher in group A than group B, C or D, resulted in higher daily growth rate in the former group. Blood glucose level was significantly higher in group A where as blood urea, hemoglobin, total protein, albumin, and globulin levels remained unchanged among the groups. Serum testosterone level increased with the increasing age of the animals but the level remained same in the animals of group A, B, C and D. A 30% concentrate diet does not have any severe adverse effect on the performance of crossbred cattle.