Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary Science, Andhra Pradesh Agricultural University, Tirupati-517 502, India
Online published on 5 January, 2012.
The effect of supplementation of basal ration consisting of NB-21 fed ad libitum and 300-400 g of green Subabul (Leucaeno leucocephala) leaves (D-1) with 75 -100 g of ground maize grain (D - 2) or 75 - 100 g each of maize and GNC (D - 3) was studied on the performance characteristics, nutrient digestibilities and N utilization in growing Nellore weaner iambs (12-13 kg). Supplementation or maize grain and GNC to a basal ration significantly (P < 0.01) Increased the DM intake and ADG of weaner lambs. The feed efficiency was higher in lambs fed supplemented rations. The apparent digestibilities of CP and EE of the diet D - 3 were higher (V < 0.01) as compared to D - 2 or D - 1. The NFE digestibility of D - 2 and D - 3 was significantly (P< 0.05) higher than that or D-l. The digestibility of hemicellulose was higher (P< 0.01) for D -3 than D -1 or D -2. The DCP per cent and TUN per cent intakes as well as N retention were higher (P< 0.01) in lambs fed D -3 than other diets. It is concluded that supplementation of basal diet (NB-21 ad lib+300-400 g of Subabul leaves) with 75-100 g each of maize and GNC improved the performance in Nellore weaner lambs.
