Nutrient intake, digestibility and rumen fermentation parameters in buffalo bulls fed cumbu napier (cobn-5) fodder

In the present study, Cumbu Napier (COBN-5) fodder was evaluated for nutrient intake, digestibility and rumen fermentation pattern in buffalo bulls. The average DMI (kg/d) of buffalo bulls was 6.01 and met the requirements for maintenance indicating that the fodder is palatable. The pre cent DCP (8.74) and TDN (56.05) in the fodder consumed met the ICAR standards. The DM, DCP, TDN and ME intake per kg W⁰⁷⁵ in buffalo bulls fed ad libitum of COBN-5 fodder were 73.03, 6.38, 40.93 and 0.15, respectively. The digestibility co-efficients (%) nutrients in COBN-5 fodder were better as compared to many Napier grass varieties. Positive balance of nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus was observed and sole feeding of the fodder met the requirement of these nutrients n buffalo bulls. Rumen pH values were highest at 0 h and declined to minimum by 6 h post feeding, while TVFA reached peak at 6 h post feeding and NH₃-N reached peak at 2 h post feeding. It was concluded that feeding COBN-5 fodder ad libitum to buffalo bulls had no adverse effects.