Evaluation of Legume Hay Based Complete Rations in Sheep

Four isonitrogenous complete rations were formulated with stylo Stylosanthus hemata CR-LF, horse gram Dolichos biflorus; CR-2), cowpea (Vigna sinensis; CR-3) and sunhemp (Crotalaria juncea; CR-4) hays each at 70 percent level to compare their inclusion by using 6 lambs (3 months; average body weight 14 kg)for each diet. During the feeding trial of 91 days higher (P<0.01) ADG was observed with horse gram hay based complete ration (CR-2). Daily DM intake (g/d or g/kg W^0.75/d) was significantly higher (P<0.05) with rations containing Stylosanthus as well as cowpea hay, where as higher feed efficiency was observed with ration containing horse gram hay compared to others. A metabolism trial conducted at the end of feeding trial revealed apparently higher digestibility coefficients of CP and EE accompanying higher (P<0.05) N retention (g/d) upon feeding of complete ration containing horse gram hay. Based on the present investigation it can be concluded that among the rations evaluated the complete ration containing horse gram hay at 70% level was considered to be superior for sheep.