Olive Oil Cake as Animal Feed A. Use of Olive Oil Cake in the Rations of Growing Heifers

Abstract

Olive oil cake (OOC) was used to replace the concentrate mixture offered to Holstein Friesian heifers. Replacement was made on dry matter basis at the rate of 0. 25, and 50% OOC of the commercial concentrate mixture in ration 1. 2. and 3. respectively. using 9 heifers, divided equally into 3 groups. Each group received one of the rations for a 33 day experimental period (phase 1). Using the same group of animals, supplemental urea was added to rations 2 and 3 to make them isonitrogenous (16°o CP), and fed for a 36 day experimental period (phase 2).

The experiment was conducted to observe the effect of substitution of OOC for the commercial concentrate mixture, on palatability and its effect on growth performances and feeding costs of yearling heifers.

It was observed that control animals (ration 1) performed better in respect of weight gain as compared to gain of animals receiving either rations 2 or 3. However, these differences were not statistically significant. Urea addition (phase 2) resulted in an improvement of the animal performances specially at the 50% OOC level.

Both rations 2 and 3 were palatable to heifers during total feeding period (phase 1 and 2). When costs of feeds were compared (phase 2), it was found that the cost per kg weight gain of heifers receiving 50% OOC ration was lower than either the control group or the group receiving the 25% OOC.