Effect of Replacing Maize Grain with Wheat Bran in the Concentrate Mixture on Intake and Utilisation of Nutrients in Sheep

Ten adult sheep (26.05±1.92 kg), divided into two equal groups (C₁ and C₂) of five each in a Randomized Block design, were fed on two concentrate mixtures with similar energy: protein ratio. Maize grain in concentrate mixture of group C₁ (35%) was completely replaced with wheat bran in concentrate mixture of group C₂ Both groups were fed wheat straw ad libitum as sole eoughagee The PM as well as OM intakes were significantly Sower (P<0.05) In group C₂ than in group C₁ Digestibility of most of the nutrients viz. DM, OM, CP, TCHO, NDF, ADF and HC and intakes of CP and DCP remained similar in both groups. However, the intake of TDN and N-balance were significantly lower (P<0.05) in group C₂ as compared to group C₁, indicating that the complete replacement of maize grain with wheat bran and its inclusion at 72% level in the concentrate mixture had an adverse effect on intake and utilization of nutrients in adult sheep.