Department of Feed & Fodder Technology, College of Veterinary Science, Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad-500 030, India.
Online published on 29 December, 2011.
Two complete diets containing cotton (Gossypium Sp.) seeds hulls (CSH) at 50% level (diet l)and CSH 35% + lucerne hay 15% (mash) (diet 2) were compared with a conventional diet containing 1.5kg concentrate supplement and chopped sorghum straw ad lib. In a 3 x 3Latin Square design in 3 rumen fistulated crossbred bulls. The DM intake and digestibilities of DM, OM, protein and nitrogen balance were significantly (P<0,05) higher on complete diets as compared to conventional diet. AH animals were in positive nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus balances. DCP (P<0.01) and TDN (P<0.05) contents were higher on complete diets as compared to conventional diet. Concentrations of TVFA and all nitrogen fractions, except NH3-IS, were higher (P<0.01) on complete diets as compared to conventional diet and among complete diets, diet 2, recorded higher values. All nitrogen fractions peaked at 2 h post-feeding and then declined later, while TVFA concentrations peaked at 4 h post-feeding.
Cotton seed hulls, Complete diet, Rumen fermentation
