Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary Science, Hyderabad, 500 030, India,
Online published on 29 December, 2011.
Nine weaned Deccani ram lambs (3-4m, 10.25 kg) divided randomly into three groups in a 3x3 latin square design, were fed diets containing low energy (LE), medium energy (ME) and high energy (HE) with constant protein (13% CP). DM intake was similar among all the groups. The digestibilities of DM, OM and NFE (P<0.01) and CP (P<0.05) increased significantly with increase in energy component of the rations. Digestibility of EE followed the same trend but there was non-significant difference between ME and HE rations. Animals on ME ration showed higher CF digestibility compared to those fed LE and HE rations. All animals were in positive Ca, P and N balances. The DCP intakes/67100 kg and per kg metabolic body size were lower than the recommended levels of ICAR. However, the TDN intakes per day per 100 kg body weight and per kg metabolic body size were more than the stipulated requirements of ICAR on ME and HE rations. Increased digestibilities of most of the nutrients on HE ration coupled with increased nitrogen retention indicated that even at 13% CP, the protein component could be efficiently utilised in Deccani lambs if adequate energy was provided.
