Vol. 10, Special Issue 11 (2021)

Author(s):
Jaishankar N, Thirumalesh T and Ramachandra B

Abstract:
Thirty NariSuwarna × Kenguri F1 adult sheep fed complete diets for six weeks. Animals were divided into six groups with five replications. The animal trail was conducted with ground sugarcane trash as roughage source in complete diets with six difference roughage concentrate ratio; (80:20) to (30:70). The ADG was 11.90, 12.62, 63.33, 72.38, 82.86 and 90.48 g/d in T-1, T -2, T-3, T-4, T-5 and T-6, respectively. As the proportion of CFM in diets increased ADG was also linearly increased due to additional digestible energy, protein and other essential nutrients. The mean total DMI was 715.1, 724.8, 961.0, 1084.9, 1086.3 and 1180.5 g/d in T-1, T -2, T-3, T-4, T-5 and T-6, respectively. DMI was linearly improved as the proportion of concentrates increased in the SCT based complete diets. Increase in the proportion of CFM in complete diets linearly improved digestibility of DM, OM, CP, EE and NFE. Whereas observed reduction in digestibility of fiber fractions. Sheep on all the diets were in positive N balance. It is concluded that unconventional SCT can be included upto 60% level in the total diet of sheep ration is beneficial and economical.