Effect of Feeding Pala (Zizyphus Nummularia) Leaves in the Diets of Bucks on Their Growth Performance in Arid Regions

Eight male lambs (4.5–5 months old) each of Marwari and Indian Karakul were fed a diet containing Pala (Zizyphus nummularia) leaves and concentrate mixture in 1:1 ratio (on DM basis) up to 225d of age or to achieve a 30 kg live weight which ever earlier to study the growth performance and dressing percentage. The data was analyzed by taking regression of nutritional parameters on initial weight of lambs. The effect of genetic group differed in initial weight, flnal weight, ADG, number of feeding days, intake of concentrate DM and water. Regression was signiflcant with live weight gain, number of feeding days, water intake, feed efficiency and mineral mixture fed, wherein the effect of genetic group was observed to be significant in live weight gain, water intake and feed efficiency only. Results indicate that breed differences did not affect digestibility of organic nutrients and dressing percentage but higher live weight gain with better feed conversion efficiency was observed in Marwari compared to Indian Karakul breed on Zizyphus nummularia leaf based diet. Hence it would be a better choice to rear lambs of Marwari breed in pala leaves based diet for mutton production in arid regions.