Evaluation of Protein Requirement of Adult Sheep for Maintenance

Fifteen, local non-descript, male adult sheep (1-1½ yrs: 22.2 kg) were divided into 3 equal groups in a randomised block design and fed equivalent quantities of isocaloric concentrate mixture having varying levels of CP, viz., 12 per cent (T₁ 16 per cent (T₂ and 20 per cent (T₃). Wheat bhoosa (straw) was fed ad libitum. The multiple regression of N outgo on N intake and body weight gave the CP requirement as 61 g per 30 kg sheep or 4.7 g per kg W^0.75. The DCP requirement, derived from multiple regression of N retention on DCP intake and body weight was 32.3 g per 30 kg sheep or 2.51 g per kg W^0.75. It was concluded that the maintenance requirement of adult sheep could be met on a conventional ration containing 7.3 per cent CP and 50 per cent TDN on DM basis, provided the voluntary intake of DM was 2.9 kg/100 kg body weight.