Effect of Cocoa Pulp Level Mixed With Feed Concentrate on Performance and Blood Metabolite Profiles of Dry-Lot Fattening Bali Steers

Aim of this study is to evaluate the utilization of cocoa pulp as an alternative feedstuff source for the performance and blood metabolite profiles of dry-lot fattening Bali steers. Nine fattening Bali steers were randomly assigned to experimental diets, composed of three levels of cocoa pulp of 0, 5 and 10% with reducing levels of milled corn composition at 20, 14 and 8%, designated as ED0 (control), ED1 and ED2, respectively, under a completely randomized design. Herbages, consisted of dwarf napiergrass (Pennisetum purpureum cv. Mott) at 90% and Indigofera sp. at 10%, were fed at fresh matter basis 60%, with the experimental diet at 40%. Dry Matter Intake (DMI) tended to be higher in ED1 than in ED2 without significant difference (p>0.05) among treatments. The Average Daily Gain (ADG) decreased from 0.74 kg/head/day in ED0 to 0.43 kg/head/day in ED2, while that in ED1 did not decrease from ED0. The effect of experimental diets did not differ significantly (p>0.05) on body performance, hematological or biochemical parameters. The results indicated that the experimental diet did not affect the hematological or biochemical parameters; however, the feedstuff mixed with cocoa pulp at 5% showed a comparable average daily gain in fattening Bali steers with control.