Effect of Degradability of Supplements on the Digestion Kinetics of Basal Roughage in Crossbred Cattle

Dry matter degradability characteristics of mixed dry grass (Sehima nervosum and Heteropogon contortus) and supplements were determined in three rumen flstulated crossbred (Tharparkar x Jersey) cattle fed on mixed dry grass based diet ad libitum supplemented with concentrate mixture (T₁), sun dried Sesbania sesban leaves (T₂) and Lablab purpureus hay (T₃) alungwith mineral mixture and common salt. Intake of nutrients was almost similar among treatments. L. purpureas had lower (P<0.05) DM degradation constants, potential and effective degradability as compared to concentrate mixture and S. sesban which did not differ significantly. Degradation characteristics of mixed dry grass were similar irrespective of supplement. Among rumen parameters, ammonia-N and TCA precipitable-N were higher (P<0.05) in T₁ and T₂ than in T₃ It was concluded that degradability of supplements had no effect on the digestion kinetics of basal roughage.