Banicha (Sesbania aculeata) is a seasonal leguminous weed of Northern Orissa. Its green fodder and DM yield were 136.05 and 36.37 q/ha, respectively. The CP, EE, CF, NFE, total ash, Ca and P contents on DM basis were 18.70, 4.92, 35.42, 31.97, 8.99, 1.10 and 0.25 per cent, respectively. Six Black Bengal goats (6 months age) were fed on banicha fodder ad libitum to determine its nutritive value. The DM intake of 33.0 g/kg live weight suggested high palatability of banicha. The fodder supplied 12.43 per cent DCP and 54.64 per cent TDN on DM basis. The daily body weight gain was 9.37 g per head. All animals showed positive balance for N but the balances of Ca and P were negative. The study suggested that banicha fodder can be used as a very good protein source for goats.
