Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1 Department of Animal Science, Pishva-Varamin Branch, Islamic Azad University, Varamin, Iran
2 Department of Animal Science, Varamin-Pishva Branch, Islamic Azad University, Varamin, Iran
Abstract
Abstract: This study evaluated the effects of supplementing Holstein suckling calves' starter diets with sesame meal (SM) and black seed meal (BSM) on growth performance and nutrient utilization. Forty calves were randomly assigned to four treatments: 1) control (basal diet), 2) control +5% SM, 3) control +5% BSM, and 4) control +2.5% SM +2.5% BSM (mixed), in a factorial design with repeated measures over time. Results showed that experimental treatments significantly improved growth parameters (p<0.05). The interaction between SM and BSM significantly improved performance, increasing mid- and final body weights by 5.14% and 5.88%, respectively, and enhancing average daily gain by 7.81% compared to other groups (P < 0.05). While the control group had higher raw milk (5.96%) and total dry matter intake (6.95%), the SM and BSM supplemented groups showed improved solid feed consumption, with SM×BSM treatment matching control levels. Nutrient utilization efficiency was significantly better in SM and BSM supplemented groups, with treatments 2-4 showing 8.95% and 8.60% improvements in dry matter utilization and feed conversion ratio, respectively. Although control calves consumed more energy (7.43%) and protein (48/8%), their utilization efficiency was 10% lower than supplemented groups approximately (p<0.05). The study concludes that a balanced combination of SM and BSM in starter diets optimally enhances calf growth performance, improve body dimensions, and nutrient efficiency, suggesting synergistic benefits when these protein sources are used together rather than individually at higher inclusion rates. These findings support the strategic use of alternative plant proteins in calf nutrition programs.
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