Comparative Evaluation of Non Leguminous Forages as Livestock Feed

Comparative yield and nutritional worth of bajra, maize and sorghum were assessed as livestock feed. The cost of cultivation was lowest for bajra, followed by that for maize which was almost comparable to that of sorghum. In view of lowest yield/acre (harvested at 55, 75 and 45 days), cost of production was higher (Rs 35/q) for maize than for sorghum (Rs 26/q) and bajra (Rs 21/q). In spite of higher market rate of maize (Rs 85/q) than sorghum (Rs 75/q) and bajra (Rs 70/q), the net return was considerably higher in sorghum (Rs 11757/acre) than bajra (Rs 11255/acre) and maize (Rs 8535/acre). Bajra had the lowest protein but highest NDF, ADF and cellulose contents than other forages. Highest (P<0.01) net gas production and true OM digestibility in maize resulted in highest (P<0.01) total as well as individual volatile fatty acid production than other forages. Irrespective of forage species, the relative proportion of acetate, propionate, butyrate and isovalerate was 69.40, 19.82, 10.61, 0.16%, respectively. The voluntary DM intake (P<0.01) and nutrients digestibility were higher in animals fed bajra than those fed maize or sorghum, but variations in nutrients digestibility except that of hemicellulose of different forages were not significant. The blood profile in all the groups was similar, except serum Ca, which was highest (P<0.01) in bajra fed animals followed by those fed on sorghum and maize. The purine derivatives excretion in urine, purines absorbed and microbial N synthesized in the rumen were comparable in all the 3 groups. Highest (P<0.05) N-intake in maize fed animals resulted in highest (P<0.05) N retention than those fed sorghum. In view of cost of cultivation, yield, net return to the farmer and nutritional worth for livestock, bajra fodder was rated superior followed by maize and sorghum, provided the forages are harvested at recommended physiological stage.