Division of Animal Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agril. Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Shuhama, Alusteng, Srinagar-190006, J&K (India)
*Present Address-Senior Scientist, National Research Centre on Yak, Dirang-170101, Arunachal Pradesh, India E-mail: dinamanimedhi@gmail.com
Online published on 3 January, 2013.
A study was undertaken to evaluate the nutritive values of mulberry leaves and various feed formulations containing mulberry leaves with respect to its nutritional potentiality replacing concentrate mixtures in sheep. Five experimental diets were prepared with incorporation of mulberry leaves replacing concentrate mixture @ 0% (C), 20% (T1), 40% (T2), 60% (T3) and 80% (T4) respectively. These rations were subjected to in vitro analysis to determine their dry matter, organic matter and neutral detergent fibre digestibility. Significant differences were observed for IVDMD, IVOMD and IVNDFDs with highest digestibility of dry matter, organic matter and neutral detergent fibre in T4 where concentrate mixture was replaced at 80% level with incorporation of mulberry leaves. It is concluded that mulberry leaves (Morus multicaulis) have the potential to be used as feed in ruminants.
Mulberry leaves, In-vitro digestibility, Sheep, Kashmir valley
