Utilization of Ammoniated Lentil (Lens Culinaris) Straw in the Ration of Growing Barbari Kids

Ammoniated (4% urea with 50% moisture level) lentil (Lens culinaris) straw (ALS) and its total mixed ration (TMR) were evaluated in the diet of growing Barbari male kids. Ten Barbari male kids were divided into two groups of 5 animals each. They were fed either ALS ad libitum or ALS based TMR (ALSTMR). Use of ALS in TMR increased soluble carbohydrate and reduced crude fibre content in the diet. The digestibility DM, OM, NFE (P<0.01) and NDF (P<0.05) increased by incorporation of ALS in TMR. Intake (g/kg W^0.75) of DM, TDN (P<0.01) and DCP (P<0.05) as well as TDN content (P<0.01) of the diet in ALSTMR group was superior as compared to the ALS group. Growth rate, N and P balance were higher (P<0.01) in ALSTMR fed group. Rumen pH (P<0.05) was reduced while TVFA increased in the ALSTMR fed group over the ALS group. The feed cost per unit gain was similar in both the groups.