Effect of Ascophyllum nodosum algae extract (Tasco) on performance and nutrient digestibility of finishing buffalo calves

Improved efficiency in the use of animal feed is important. The use of algae extract (Tasco) in domestic animal feeding improves digestibility of the diet and consequently increases production and profitability. This feedstuff is used as a source of vitamins to increase economic longevity of livestock, and the use of this substance plays a role in reducing the effects of heat stress. Ascophyllum nodosum is an algae that has several uses, including increasing the digestibility of fibrous materials. The present experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of using an extract of Ascophyllum nodosum algae (with Tasco brand) on feed digestibility and finishing performance of buffalo calves. Fifteen buffalo calves (262±18 kg) were allocated to three treatments as a completely randomized design. The experimental treatments were including 1- basal diet without supplement (control diet), 2- basal diet supplemented with 1% Tasco, and 3- basal diet supplemented with 2% Tasco. Dry matter intake and ort was recorded daily and live weight each fifteenth days. The average daily gain, feed conversion ratio, and feed performance were calculated. The digestibility of feed nutrients were measured by total feces collection method. The average feed intake of the whole period of experiment in control and treatment containing 1% Tasco was highest and lowest amount, respectively. The treatment containing 1% Tasco had the highest final weight and weight gain from day 0.0 to 75 and 30 to 60 of the experiment (P<0.05). In comparison to control, feed conversion ratio in treat contains 1 and 2% Tasco was improved about 21 and 25%. The treatment containing 1% Tasco showed the most suitable feed conversion ratio (P<0.05). In comparison to control, supplementation of diets with Tasco, significantly increased the intake and digestibility of NDF (P<0.05). The digestibility of crude protein and NDF was increased linearly with increasing amount of Tasco in the diet (P<0.05), compared with control the most percentage was belonged to treat containing 2% of Tasco. According to the results of present experiment, using Tasco had beneficial effects on performance and digestibility of nutrients in finishing buffaloes and for performance diet containing 1% compared to 2% Tasco and control diet had the best results. Therefore, it may be beneficial to use Tasco especially in finishing livestocks. According to the results of present experiment, using Tasco had beneficial effects on performance and digestibility of nutrients in finishing buffaloes and for performance diet containing 1% compared to 2% Tasco and control diet had the best results. Therefore, it may be beneficial to use Tasco especially in finishing livestocks.