Comparative evaluation of ryegrass varieties in buffalo calves by chemical, In situ and In vivo techniques

The nutritive value of a new cutlivar of Ryegrass variety V₂ was compared with the standard variety of Punjab Ryegrass No. 1. Six male buffalo calves were divided into two equal groups. Fodder from third cut of both the varieties was offered ad lib to both the groups for 14 days followed by 5 days metabolic trial. The crude protein content was 1.5% more in Ryegrass variety V₂ (15.2%) than that of Punjab Ryegrass No. 1 (13.7%) whereas the ether extract contents of both the varieties were quite similar. However, cell wall constituents were slightly higher in variety V₂. The prediction of DM intake (kg/100 kg BW) was found to be slightly less than that of in vivo studies. Apparent digestibility coefficient of dry matter, crude protein, crude fibre and ether extract were found to be more in variety V₂ as compared to the check variety. The nutritional quality of variety V₂ in terms of % DCP and TDN (12.07±0.31, 74.53±1.60) were higher as compared to the check variety (10.60±0.57, 73.09±2.19). The voluntary DM intake (kg/100 kg BW) was (2.30±0.04 and 2.22±0.06) in two respective varieties. The results of the nutritional yield revealed that variety V₂ produced more DCP and TDN (15.40±0.85 and 95.1±1.78 q/ha) than the check variety (11.85±0.79 and 82.72±2.44 q/ha). The quality parameters in terms of DCP and TDN indicated that the variety V₂ has edge over the check variety Punjab Ryegrass No. 1.