Nutritive evaluation of Lasiurus sindicus and Cenchrus cilliaris hays in sheep

Adult Marwari rams were individually fed either Lasiurus sindicus (Sewan) or Cenchrus cilliaris (Dhaman) hay for a period of 42 days. The animals were housed individually with free access to drinking water. Feed intake was monitored daily and live weights at weekly intervals. At the end of feeding trial, 7-day metabolism trial was conducted on all the animals to assess the nutrient digestibility. Higher DMI was observed in animals fed Lasiurus sindicus hay compared to Cenchrus cilliaris hay (2.09 vs 1.99% BW). The nutritive value of the hays indicated that Lasiurus sindicus hay contained 5.3% DCP and 32.3% TDN whereas Cenchrus cilliaris hay contained 4.9% DCP and 42.4% TDN. Despite of positive nitrogen balance, weight loss was observed in animals fed either of the hays indicating need to supplement energy supplements along with them.