The aim of this work was to compare the efficacy of two different doses of aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) supplementation on gut parasites and cost of production in Murrah buffalo calves. A total of fifteen buffalo calves (3-6 months age) were selected and maintained at the Buffalo Farm, Department of Livestock Production Management, College of Veterinary Sciences, LUVAS, Hisar (Haryana), India. The duration of experiment was 90 days. The calves were placed into three treatment groups T1, T2 and T3 (based on nearness in body weight and age) and each group having five calves. The calves were fed with basal ration in all three treatment groups according to ICAR-2013 feeding standards along with supplementation of aloe vera leaves @ 2 g and 4 g per kg body weight in T2 and T3 group respectively. The calves fed basal diet supplemented with aloe vera @ 4 g per kg body weight were showed significantly lower (P<0.05) oocyst per gram (opg) and also showed less egg per gram (epg) but not significantly (P>0.05), in faeces as compare to control group. The cost of feeding per kg body weight gain was found lowest in T3 followed by T2 and was found highest in T1 treatment group. Thus, from above findings it can be concluded that aloe vera supplementation @ 4 g/kg body weight can be an effective herbal feed additive for buffalo calves and can increase the economic return to the farmers.

Highlights

• Aloe vera has substantial effect on gut parasites.
• The feeding cost/kg weight gain was found lowest in calves fed diet supplemented with aloe vera @ 4 g/kg body weight.