Department of Feed & Fodder Technology, Andhra Pradesh Agricultural University, Hyderabad-500 030, India
Online published on 5 January, 2012.
Nutrient utilization from sorghum straw obtained from two varieties (SPY 351 and SPY 475 of ICRISAT) were compared with a local variety (“PUNASA JONNA”) by feeding chopped straw ad lib. as sole ration to adult Nellore rams (6 in each group, ; 24.75kg, ; 26-28 m) using a completely randomized design. Improved varieties had higher CP, DCP and lower CF contents compared to local variety. DM intake and N and Ca balances were significantly (P<0.01) higher on improved varieties. All the experimental animals recorded positive N, Ca and P balances. However, local variety could not meet the DM, DCP and TDN requirements but the improved varieties did provide DM and TDN to meet the requirements. Hence, these could be recommended to meet the maintenance requirement of sheep if supplemented with some protein source.
