Effect of Maize Husk as a Replacerof Maize Grains in High Concentrate Complete Rations on Nutrient Utilization in Sheep

Maize grain was replaced by maize husk at 0, 33, 67 and 100 per cent levels in high concentrate complete rations for sheep at a restricted intake level of 67.5 g DM/W^0.75 kg. The IVDMD and effective DM degradabilities were 59.8, 42.7; 55.4, 40.5, 50.8, 30.8 and 45.4, 24.8 per cent for the complete rations 1 to 4, respectively. Inclusion of maize at 100 per cent level replacing maize did not affect the apparent digestibilities of DM, CP, NDF, ADF and cellulose as well as N retention in growing lambs. As the level of maize husk in the complete ration increased, the energy value decreased progressively; however, the DCP value was not affected. The nutrient requirments of growing lambs fed the high concentrate complete rations containing maize husk at 30 per cent level were met through an intake of 6.48 g DCP and 141 kcal ME/W^0.75kg. Maize husk appeared to be a promising substitute to the expensive maize grain in high concentrate complete rations for growing lambs.