Plasticity of gut and metabolic limitations of Deoni calves in comparison to crossbred calves on a high plane of nutrition

Plasticity of the digestive system is important for the development and productivity of cows. The objective of the study was to measure the plasticity of the gut in 10 each of Holstein Friesian (HF)–crossbred (Bos taurus; X) and indigenous (Bos indicus, e.g. Deoni breed; D) calves randomly distributed to recommended plane (RN) or 25% higher plane (HN) of nutrition. Body weight (BW) change during a 6-month period in indigenous calve irrespective of the plane of nutrition was 35 kg. Dry matter intake (DMI) in Deoni calves was reduced on a high plane of nutrition but not in HF-crossbred (X) calves. DMI in XHN was 7% more than that in XRN. Compared to crossbred, energy intake, metabolism and energy efficiency of indigenous calves were poor. Significantly higher plasma glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, AST, ALT and creatinine in DRN or DHN than in XRN or XHN indicated metabolic limitations in indigenous calves. Higher triglycerides and AST, ALT and AST/ALT ratio in indigenous calves may be due to poor insulin sensitivity and hyperlipidaemia. Higher triglycerides in serum may also one of the reasons for the reduced DMI in DHN. Serum creatinine (P < 0.05) in XHN or DHN was higher due to increased crude protein (CP) consumption. The study concluded poor plasticity of the digestive system in indigenous calves on a higher plane of nutrition compared to crossbred calves. Indigenous calves suffer metabolic disturbances like hyperglycaemia, hyperlipidaemia and increased creatinine level because of digestive limitation and slower muscle growth.