Effect of Supplementation of Rumen Protected Lipids at Varying Levels of Feed Restriction on Intake, Growth Rate and Nutrient Utilization in Deccani Ram Lambs

Eighteen Deccani ram lambs with an average body weight of 19.45±1.06 kg were randomly distributed into 3 groups of 6 animals each to study the effect of supplementation of bypass fat in the form of calcium soap of red palm oil on intake, growth rate and nutrient utilization at different feed restriction levels. The lambs in group T₁ were fed complete ration ad lib. The lambs in groupT₂ and T₃ were provided 85 and 70% of feed compared to group T₁. However, both these groups were supplemented with calcium soap of red palm oil at 10% of total dietary DM. The DMI (g/d) or (g/kg w^0.75) was significantly (P<0.05) lower in group T₃ compared to T₁ and T₂. There was no significant difference in digestibility of nutrients and cell wall constituents except EE. The digestibility of EE was significantly (P<0.05) higher in groups T₂ and T₃ compared to group T₁. Nitrogen and phosphorus balances (g/d) were higher (P<0.05) in groups T₁ and T₂ compared to T₃. The intake of DCP and TDN (g/d) in group T₃ was lower (P<0.05) than in groups T₁ and T₂. The average daily gain (g) in group T₃ was significantly (P<0.05) lower compared to other two group_s. It was concluded that calcium soap of red palm oil can be used as energy supplement to the extent of 10% of dietary DM when lambs are restricted to 85% of feed intake without any adverse effect on feed intake, growth rate and nutrient utilization.