Evaluation of bajra straw based complete feed in sheep

Iso-nitrogenous complete feeds with roughage - concentrate ratio of 40:60 (T₁), 50:50 (T₂) and 60:40 (T₃) were formulated with bajra straw as sole roughage and evaluated on Marwari rams. The DM intake, apparent digestibility of DM, gross nutrients and fibre fractions were similar among the three diets, however, NFE digestibility was higher (P<0.05) in T, than that of T₂ and T₃. Intake of DCP and TDN per kg metabolic body weight were higher (P<0.05) in sheep fed complete feed having bajra straw at 40% level compared to 60%. All animals were in positive nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus balances and there were no differences between treatment groups. The average daily gain in T₁, T₂ and T₃ treatment groups were 72.9, 67.8 and 63.9 g/d, respectively, indicated that level of bajra straw in the complete feed had no adverse effect on nutrient utilization in sheep. It was concluded that sheep could be effectively maintained on feeding complete feed containing bajra straw up to 60% level.