author(s)
HK Jediya, CS Vaishnava, RK Dhuria, KA Shende and YK Barolia

abstract
An endeavor was made to assess the effect of hydroponic maize fodder as a partial substitute with concentrate mixture on nutrient intake of gir calves. A feeding trial of 120 days was undertaken on 16 Gir calves (6-12 months of age) divided into four groups of four calves using the basal roughage with various levels of hydroponics maize fodder to assess the nutrient utilization efficiency. In the study, a highly significant (P<0.01) effect of feeding of hydroponics maize fodder was observed on DMI (in terms of g/d, kg/100 kg b.wt and g/kgW^0.75). Highest dry matter intake g/d was observed in T₄ group where 75% of crude protein of concentrate mixture was replaced by hydroponics maize fodder and lowest was observed in control group. Highest dry matter intake kg/100 kg b.wt and g/kgW^0.75was observed in T₄ group which was comparable with T₃. However, a non-significant effect was observed on organic matter intake (in terms of g/d, kg/100 kg b.wt and g/kgW^0.75). Looking at the results of the present investigation, it could be concluded that hydroponics maize fodder has a beneficial effect on DMI in terms of g/d, kg/100 kg b.wt and g/kgW^0.75 in gir calves and it can replace upto 75% of crude protein of concentrate mixture.