Effect of herbs as feed additives on nutrient utilization in rams

A study was conducted to assess the effect of herbsAsparagus racemosus (Shatavari), Bacopa monnieri (Brahmi), Eclipta alba (Bhringraj) and Leptadenia reticulata (Jiwanti) as feed additives in rams fed wheat straw based complete feed in term of nutrient utilization. Twenty Marwari rams were divided into five groups of four each designated as T₁-Complete feed without any herb (control), T₂-Complete feed + 4% Shatavari, T₃-Complete feed + 3% Brahmi, T₄-Complete feed + 3% Bhringraj, T₅-Complete feed + 3% Jiwanti. Average dry matter and organic matter intake (g/d and g/kgW^0.75) were higher in the groups receiving herb supplemented diet than control. The digestibility coefficient of DM, OM and CP was higher (P<0.05) in the rams receiving herbs as feed additives. However, digestibility coefficient of EE, CF, NFE, NDF, ADF and hemicellulose did not differ among the five groups of rams. The average daily gain was 52.34, 62.39, 60.66, 59.53 and 58.29 g/d in control, Asparagus racemosus, Bacopa monnieri, Eclipta alba and Leptadenia reticulata fed groups. All the rams were in positive nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus balance. Higher (P<0.05) nitrogen balance (g/d) was observed on account of herb supplementation in complete feed. The results revealed that supplementation of herbs like Asparagus racemosus, Bacopa monnieri, Eclipta alba and Leptadenia reticulata as a feed additive improved the nutrient utilization in rams.