Effect of Rice Bean (Vigna Umbettata Thumb) Supplementation on Utilization of Mixed Jungle Grass in Goats

Three adult, non producing (17.9+1.5 kg B. Wt.) Sikkim local does were randomly distributed into 3 groups based on 3x3 latin square design to study the effect of green rice bean supplementation. Three dietary treatments were, mixed jungle grass ad lib. (I), supplemented with either 15(II) or 30(III) % level of rice bean. Mixed jungle grass consumption did not differ significantly among the groups but total dry matter intake increased significantly (P<0.05) with increased level of rice bean supplementation. Digestibility of DM, OM, CP, NDF and cellulose increased significantly (P<0.05) only upto 15% level of supplementation, beyond which no further improvement was observed. N balance increased signiflcantly (P<0.05) with increased level of supplementation. Over all, DCP and DOM intake increased significantly (P<0.05) with increased level of rice bean in the diet. It was concluded that green rice bean supplementation can increase intake of digestible nutrients in goats fedon mixed jungle grass.