Vol. 9, Issue 3, Part B (2024)

Author(s): Dr. Rinkesh B Makwana, Dr. HH Savsani, Dr. MD Odedra, Dr. Deendayal, Dr. MR Chavda, Dr. KH Parmar, Dr. NK Ribadiya and Dr. AP Raval

Abstract: The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of inorganic and nano forms of copper and zinc supplementation on growth performance and health status of Gir calves. Twenty-five Gir calves (1 month old) were distributed into five homogenous groups on the basis of their live body weight and sex in completely randomized design (CRD). The control (T₁) group was offered a basal diet consisting of concentrate, sorghum green and dry pasture grass without any additional supplementation as per ICAR (2013) feeding, while T₂, T₃, T₃ and T₄ groups were fed basal diet with inorganic Cu @ 20 mg/kg DM + inorganic Zn @ 40 mg/kg DM, inorganic Cu @ 20 mg/kg DM + nano Zn @ 20 mg/kg DM, nano Cu @ 10 mg/kg DM + inorganic Zn @ 40 mg/kg DM and @ 10 mg/kg DM + nano Zn @ 20 mg/kg DM, respectively, for a period of 150 days. Blood haematological parameters, Hb (g/dL) concentration, RBC count (10⁶/µL), WBC count (10³/µL), Blood platelet count (10³/µL) and PCV (%) did not revealed (p>0.05) difference among the groups and found within the normal physiological range throughout the experimental period. Overall mean value of IJF- 1(ng/mL) was significantly higher T₅, T₄ and T₃ groups as compared to T₁ and T₂ groups. However, the serum copper concentrations (mg/L) was significantly (p<0.05) higher in T₄ and T₅ groups as compared to T₁, T₂ and T₃, while the zinc concentrations (mg/L) was significantly (p<0.05) higher in T₃ and T₅ groups compared with T₁ T₂ and T₄ groups. Thus, it can be inferred that nano zinc @ 20 mg/kg DM and nano copper @ 10 mg/kg DM should be added in the diets of growing Gir calves to maximize overall performance and thus to increase overall profit for well-being of farmers.