Effect of Feeding Deoiled Mahua (Bassia latiflia) Seed Cake with or without Aqueous Alcohol Treatment on Growth and Nutrient Utilisation in Lambs

Fifteen 6 months old Suffolk X Dorset X Muzzafarnagri rams (10.8 to 17.5 kg) were divided into three groups and fed control ration T₁ T₂ and T₃ rations containing untreated deoiled Mahua (Bassia latifolia) seed cake (DMSC) and aqueous alcohol treated deoiled Mahua seed cake (ATDMSC), respectively, in their concentrate mixtures. Pure Beta-carotene dissolved in groundnut oil or green fodder was fed to meet Vitamin A requirement, with ad lib. feeding of wheat straw. Experimental feeding was carried out for 46 weeks during which no adverse effect on body weight of animals was observed. However, digestibilities of DM, OM and CP were significantly depressed under T₂ and T₃ rattons wiihout effecting that of CF, total carbohydrate and nitrogen retention when compared to T₁ under similar feed intakes. Chronic toxicity lesions found in vital organs of animals fed T₂ and T₃ rattons have been discussed.