Dry matter intake and growth performance of post weaned nellore lambs supplemented with Moringa oleifera leaf meal

The effect of incorporation of Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM) on dry matter intake and growth performance of post-weaned Nellore lambs was investigated in a completely randomized design. Eighteen Nellore lambs with average initial weight of 11.70 kg were offered experimental diet containing MOLM at 0, 15 and 30% protein (soyabean meal and gingelly cake) replacement level in T0, T1 and T2 groups, respectively. MOLM had nutrient profile of 20.94% crude protein, 16.85% crude fibre, 5.70% ether extract, 42.50% nitrogen-free extract and 12% ash contents. Incorporation of MOLM as protein supplement increased DMI especially at higher (30%) inclusion rates. The final body weights were 16.71±0.22, 17.58±0.17and 17.84±0.20 kg in groups T0, T1 and T2, respectively with significant difference between T0 and MOLM supplemented groups (T1 and T2). The total weight gain and average daily gain were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in T2 group. It was concluded that MOLM up to 30% level could be a replacer of traditional protein supplements used in concentrate diets for feeding growing Nellore lambs.