Incorporation of de-hulled faba (Vicia faba linn.) bean in rations of lactating goats

Twelve lactating Beetal goats in early lactation were divided in two groups of six animals each and fed gram straw ad lib. along with concentrate mixture containing either whole (T1) or dehulled (T2) faba bean. De-hulling of faba bean reduced its total tannins and increased crude protein and NFE content. After experimental feeding for two months, a metabolism trial of five days duration was conducted. Rumen metabolites were also estimated in rumen liquor collected by stomach tube. Significantly (P < 0.05) higher TVFA's and propionate were observed along with total-N and ammonia-N content in SRL of goats fed de-hulled faba bean. Total DM intake (% BW; g/kg W^0.75), CP digestibility (%), nitrogen balance (g/day), milk yield and its protein content were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in T2 than in T1. Digestibility of other proximate nutrients, milk fat and total solid contents were similar in both the groups. Results of the present study showed that de-hulling of faba bean decreased its tannin content considerably and incorporation of de-hulled beans in the rations of lactating goats improved nutrient utilization and production performance.