Effect of Particle Size on Physical Characters and Nutrient Utilization of Prosopis juliflom Pods in Sheep

Eighteen Nellore rams (20-24 m. 25 kg) divided into 3 equal groups were fed Prosopis juliflora pods; ground through 5, 8, 12 mm sieves @ 300 g/head/d along with ad lib chaffed mixed grass hay. The hulk density of Prosopis juliflora pods increased by 18.58 and 25% while the molasses absorbability increased by 11.11 and 51.85% respectively by grinding through 8 and S mm sieves and correspondingly the particle size dcreased by 32.61 and 51.36% compared to 12 mm sieve. DM intake and digestibility of nutrients were not significantly different among the rations. All the experimental animals were on positive N, Ca and P balances and met their DCP and TDN requirements. Prosopis juliflora pods could be fed as an ingredient of concentrate mixture in the ration of sheep and that the particle size had no effect on utilization of nutrients.