Twelve apparently healthy, growing, non-descript indigenous male lambs of about 3 to 5 months age and 9.77±0.33 kg mean body weight were randomly divided into three groups (1, 2 and 3) in a completely randomized design to assess the rumen parameters. The study was conducted in winter season i.e. October to December (temperature ranged from 15 to 25°C). Animals in group 1 were fed a control concentrate mixture containing 40% crushed maize, 30% de-oiled groundnut cake (DGNC), 27% wheat bran, 2% mineral mixture and 1% common salt. In groups 2 and 3, maize grain was replaced with wheat bran on weight by weight basis at 50 and 100% levels, respectively. The rumen liquor sampling commenced 75 days after feeding trial was representatively accomplished 4h post feeding for three consecutive days from three animals in each group. Dry matter intake (DMI) was identical (P>0.05) among the three groups. The mean values of total protozoa count (1.74, 2.21 & 2.08 x 105/ml); total-N (105.5, 103.4 & 131.3 mg/dl) and TCA ppt.-N (52.2, 55.8 & 67.1 mg/dl) were comparable (P>0.05) among the three groups. The pH and concentration of TYFA in rumen was similar (P>0.05) in groups 1 and 2. However, pH was significantly (P<0.01) lower and TVFA concentration was significantly (P<0.05) higher in lambs fed grainless concentrate mixture (group 3), while, ammonia-N was significantly (P<0.05) higher in groups 2 and 3 as compared to control. These results suggest that maize grain can be replaced up to 100% level with wheat bran without any adverse effect on rumen fermentation pattern in growing lambs.
Lambs, Low grain and grain-less diets, Rumen parameters
