author(s)
Madhu Suman, Bhupendra T Phondba, Preeti, Shivani Katoch and Harjit Kaur

abstract
Present investigation has been focussed to study the effect of positive dietary cation anion difference (DCAD) based diet on nutrient intake and acid-base status of crossbred calves in winter months (December 10, 2011 - April 8, 2012). The calves were blocked into three equal groups on the basis of average body weight. The calves either received a basal diet (control) or +150 /+250 mEq/ Kg dry matter (DM) DCAD diets (W₁, W₂). The overall mean DMI in W₂ was significantly higher (P<0.05) as compared to W₁ and control groups. Na and K intakes were significantly more (P<0.01) in treatment groups as compared to control group. K balance was more P<0.01) in W₂ group as compared to control. Positive DCAD diets of +250 and +350 mEq/kg DM improved the nutrient intake and acid-base status so helpful in ameliorating the climatic stress.