Effect of feeding crop residue-based complete rations on nutrient utilization in Nellore rams Kishore K. Raja*, Ramana J.V., Kumar D. Srinivas, Ravi A., Rao E. Raghava Department of Animal Nutrition, NTR College of Veterinary Science, Gannavaram- 521 102, Andhra Pradesh *E-mail address: dr_rajakishore@yahoo.co.in
Online published on 5 March, 2014. Abstract A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of feeding crop residue-based complete ration on nutrient utilization in Nellore rams. In a 4 X 4 Latin Square Design, four adult Nellore rams (38.01±0.63kg body weight) were offered three iso-nitrogenous complete rations containing maize stover (T1), red gram straw (T2) and black gram straw (T3) and concentrate mixture in 60:40 ratios, respectively were compared with a conventional (C) ration. Dry matter (DM) and acid detergent fibre digestibility was higher (P<0.05) in rams fed T1, while neutral detergent fibre, hemi cellulose and cellulose digestibility was higher (P<0.05) in rams fed T1 and T3 as compared to the conventional ration. Dry matter intake was similar among the experimental rations. Digestible crude protein (DCP) was higher (P<0.01) in rams fed complete ration (T1), while % total digestible nutrients (TDN) was higher (P<0.01) in T1 and T2 compared to conventional ration. The intakes g/kgW0.75) of DM and DCP were higher (P<0.05) in the rams fed T1 than T2, T3 and conventional ration. However, intake of TDN (g/kgW0.75) was higher in rams fed complete rations compared to those fed conventional ration. Digestible and metabolic energy intake (Mcal/kg) in rams fed complete rations was higher (P<0.01) than those fed conventional ration. It was concluded that complete rations containing crop residues provide better nutrient supply to rams compared to conventional ration. Top Keywords Conventional ration, Complete ration, Crop residue, Nutrient digestibility. Top |