Effect of Feeding Maize Stover Based Complete Rations on Growth and Carcass Characteristics in Nellore × Deccani Ram Lambs

An investigation was carried out for 120 days to study the effect of feeding maize (Zea mays) stover based complete rations (mash form) by including maize stover 70% (MS₇₀) 60% (MS₆₀) and 50% (MS₇₀) level, to find out the suitable ratio of maize stover and concentrate for optimum growth and carcass characteristics in growing Nellore × Deccani ram lambs. A significant (P<0.05) difference in the ADG was noticed in ram lambs fed three experimental complete rations. There was 44.43 and 17.06% higher gain in ram lambs fed MS₅₀ ration in comparison to those fed MS₇₀ (P<0.05) and MS₆₀ (P>0.05) rations, respectively. The FCR was higher (P<0.05) by 11.72 and 17.39 per cent, respectively with MS₆₀ and MS₇₀ rations in comparison to MS₅₀ ration. The cost ()/kg live weight gain was comparable among the three rations. The live body weight and empty body weight was significantly (P<0.05) different among the experimental rations and was lower in lambs fed MS₇₀ ration compared to those fed MS₆₀ and MS₅₀ rations. The hot carcass weight was significantly (P<0.05) different among the ram lambs fed experimental complete rations. No difference in dressing percentage either on live weight or empty body weight basis. The proportion of lean (%) was significantly higher (P<0.05) in MS₅₀ complete ration than MS₆₀ and MS₇₀ rations, but was comparable between MS₆₀ and MS₇₀ complete rations. Increased (P>0.05) trend in bone meat ratio in carcasses was observed as the level of concentrate increased in the ration of experimental ram lambs. The chemical composition of meat were not affected and there was a significant (P<0.05) increase in fat (%) as the level of concentrate increased in complete rations. Based on the results, it is inferred that maize stover, a potential cereal crop residue hitherto unused can be incorporated as roughage component in complete rations at 50–60% for obtaining optimum growth with better feed efficiency in growing Nellore × Deccani ram lambs. Level of inclusion of maize stover had no effect on dressing percentage either on live weight or empty body weight basis.