Effect of Level of Concentrate Supplementation on Growth Performance of Sikkim Local Kids Fed Jungle Grass Based Diet During Summer

Fifteen male Sikkim local kids (6–9 months of age) were divided into three groups of 5 each and fed on mixed jungle grass (March-May) ad lib to all the animals. Concentrate was supplemented @ 0.5, 1 and 2.0% of BW in groups I, II and III, respectively. The trial was conducted for 90 days during which weekly change in body weight and feed intake was recorded. Consumption of jungle grass was not affected by different level of concentrate supplementation. As a result, total dry matter intake (DMI) increased (P<0.01) with increased level of concentrate supplementation. Digestibility of dry matter (DM) and organic matter (OM) was higher (P<0.05) in groups II and III than in group I. The combined effect of increased intake and digestibility of CP and OM resulted in higher (P<0.01) DCP intake, N balance and significant increase (P<0.05) in digestible organic matter (DOM) intake in groups II and III in comparison to group I. ADG was significantly (P<0.05) higher in group II and III as compared to group I. Supplementation of concentrate @ 2% of BW was not economical. It is concluded that Sikkim local kids fed mixed jungle grass based diet during summer should be supplemented with concentrates @1% of body weight to obtain maximum growth at minimum feed cost