Title: Effect of Copper Application to Soil on Sorghum Green Yield, Quality and its Feeding Value for Crossbred Heifers
Abstract: Fodder sorghum (variety Ksheerasagar) was grown on untreated and copper sulfate treated (12.50 kg/hectare) soil. Twelve Jersey crossbred heifers (10 months old, 125 kg body weight) were randomly distributed in to two groups of six each, were fed on sorghum green fodder grown on untreated and copper treated soil respectively alongwith concentrates to meet the requirements. The pH of soil was neutral (7.10) with organic carbon-0.56 per cent and available copper-0.90 µg/g. Green fodder yield was significantly (P<0.05) increased with copper treatment of soil and fodder contained higher (P<0.05) copper and ascorbic acid than that grown on untreated soil. Total and daily gain In body weight of heifers were significantly (P<0.05) more in experimental group than in control group. The copper level in serum of heifers was significantly (P<0.05) enhanced in experimental group over control. The age at maturity and conception in heifers were significantly (P<0.05) improved in experimental group than in control, Thus, the copper application to soil has significantly improved the green fodder yield, copper level in fodder and blood serum, growth and reproductive efficiency of heifers.
Publication Year: 2001
Publication Date: 2001-01-01
Language: en
Type: article
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Cited By Count: 2
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