Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Jodhpur
Online published on 25 January, 2012.
There was considerable seasonal variation in the chemical composition and dry matter yield of Heteropogon grasslands. The crude protein, calcium and phosphorus, which was maximum in July decreased steadily in subsequent months. The dry matter yield increased steadily in subsequent, months showing an inverse relationship. The body weight gain in sheep was maximum (88 gm/day/animal) in October and decreased thereafter recording the lowest gains in May. This also coincided with the decrease in nutrient content of herbage.
There was a marked increase in the neutral detergent fibre and at the same time, a decrease in in vitro digestibility. The in vitro digestibility values were found to be maximum in Sehima+60 kg N/ha treatment. However, the Cenchrus+Siratro group showed not only high level of IVTD and maximum crude protein retention capacity but also resulted in the highest weight gains of 27 gm/day/animal in Mandya sheep. The low weight gains in sheep in the Sehima control is attributed to the high neutral detergent fibre and low crude protein level.
