RESUMO
The effect of two types of anabolic implants [Ralgro and Synovex-S] on the performance traits and the metabolic profile of male buffalo calves averaging 248.75 +/- 2.5 kg was studied in a 90-day experiment. The calves were fed on a basal ration composed of concentrates and roughages. Ralgro and Synovex-S implantation increased significantly [P <0.5] the total body gain, average daily gain and feed/gain ratio in implanted calves. Gain and relative gain of the Synovex-S implanted group showed significant [P <0.05] increase at each time phase of the experiment compared with the control and showed insignificant increase over the Ralgro-implanted group. No significant difference was found regarding blood calcium, albumin, RBCs and WBCs due to implantation. Total lipids and cholesterol values showed significant [P <0.05] increase by implantation and reached the maximum at 60 days compared with the control. Ralgro and Synovex-S groups demonstrated significant [P <0.05] increase in hemoglobin value at 60 days post-implantation. Total serum protein and globulin values showed significant [P <0.05] increase at 60 and 30 days post-implantation in Ralgro and Synovex-S implanted calves, respectively. The growth promoting implants [Ralgro and Synovex-S] could be successfully used in improving body gain and feed utilization of buffalo calves raised for beef production in Egypt