Effect of different levels of concentrate supplementation on growth performance of Sikkim local kids fed mixed jungle grass based diet

Twelve Sikkim local male kids (3–6 months of age) of 10.29±0.70 kg body weight were divided into three groups of 4 each in an experiment based on randomized block design. Mixed jungle grass (winter season, Dec-Feb) was offered ad libitum to all the animals. Besides, all the kids received about 500g of fresh Nevaro (Ficus hookerii) leaves. Concentrate was supplemented @ 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5% of body weight, in groups I, II and III, respectively. The trial was conducted for 90 days during which weekly change in body weight and feed intake was recorded. All the kids consumed all the nevaro leaves and consumption of jungle grass was not affected by different level of concentrate supplementation. As a result, total dry matter intake (DMI) increased significantly (P<0.05) with increased level of concentrate supplementation. Digestibility of dry matter (DM) and organic matter (OM) was significantly (P<0.05) higher in groups II and III in comparison to group I. The combined effect of increased intake and digestibility of CP and OM resulted in higher (P<0.01) digestible crude protein (DCP) intake, N balance, and significant (P<0.05) increase in digestible organic matter (DOM) intake in groups II and III in comparison to group I. Average daily gain (ADG) was 24.40, 42.55 and 51.40 g/day in groups I, II and III, respectively. ADG was significantly (P<0.01) higher in group III as compared to other groups. Hence, it was concluded that maximum growth rate during winter season can be obtained in Sikkim local kids fed mixed jungle grass based diet when concentrate is supplemented @1.5% of their body weight.