Evaluation of Complete Rations Containing Important Fibrous Resources in Native Sheep

Eight iso-nitrogenous complete rations incorporating fibrous resources such as spear grass (Heteropogon contortus) hay, nendra grass (Sehima nervosum) hay, sunflower, cotton and jowar (Sorghum) straws, maize stover, groundnut hulls, bagasse and groundnut haulms each at 25% level were evaluated in vivo using 6 Nellore brown rams. The DMI ranged from 41 (bagasse) to 86 (Nendra grass hay) g/kgW^0.75d. Higher nutrient digestibilities inrespect of DM, NDF, ADF, hemicellulose and cellulose were observed in maize stover containing complete ration in comparison to other roughage sources. The present study revealed the potential feeding value of maize stover as a roughage component of complete feed for native sheep under intensive lystem of feeding.