A complete diet with paddy straw as sole roughage source was formulated in roughage concentrate ratio of 50:50 and processed into mash. One third of the mash was subjected to expander-extruder pelleting and another one third was densified with block making machine into blocks of 150x150x50mm. These two processed diets along with mash diet were fed to 18 adult male Deccani sheep in a completely randomized design. The diets on an average contained 8.52% crude protein (CP) and 38.4% crude fibre (CF). The dry matter (DM), organic matter, CF, CP (P 0.05) of lower NH3-N and higher total-N was observed on processed diets than that on mash form. The total volatile fatty acids concentration was higher (P<0.01) in SRL of lambs fed EEP diet than other two diets. The results of this study indicated that paddy straw incorporated at 50% level in complete diets could meet the maintenance requirements of sheep. Out of the three processing methods complete diet processed with expander extruder improved the nutritive value of the diet.
Eighteen 6–8 wks pregnant ewes (22-23kg) were selected and distributed in 3 groups, 6 in each. They were fed chopped sorghum ad libitum and concentrate (350 g) to meet protein requirement (T1) or ad-libitum chopped surghu m straw and chopped mulberry (Moras alba) hay in 2:1 ratio and 250 g concentrate (T2) or chopped sorghum straw and chopped mulberry hay in 1:1 ratio and 100 g concentrate for 3 m to assess the utilization of mulberry fodder in rations. The DM intakes were comparable on all the 3 rations. The digestibilities of nutrients were comparable except for EE, which decreased (P<0.01) with increased proportion of mulberry liay. The requirements of DCP but not of TDN of animals were met. The birth weight of lambs in all the 3 groups were comparable. The cost of feeding/d/animal were Rs. 1.18 1.15 and 1.16, respectively in the 3 groups.
Effect of particle size of paddy straw based complete diets on carcass characteristics of lambs were assessed. Ground paddy straw of 8, 12 and 16 mm particle size was incorporated (35%) in three complete diets 8PS, 12PS and 16PS, respectively which were compared with a conventional diet (concentrate mixture and roughage fed separately). Thirty-two growing Deccani lambs (3–5 months of age) were randomly divided into four equal groups of eight and fed one of the four diets for 180 days. Dressing percentage was higher (P<0.01) on complete diet 8PS (54.48) followed by 16PS (52.66) and 12PS (49.51), compared to conventional diet (46.49). The bone meat ratio and non-edible edible ratios of the carcass from lambs fed complete diet 8PS were higher than those fed complete diets 16PS and 12PS. The moisture, fat and ash content of Longissimus dorsi muscle of carcass of lambs fed either of the complete diet were similar to that of conventional diet fed lambs, while the protein content was higher (P<0.01) in complete diet 8PS. There was no significant (P<0.05) difference among four groups with respect to any of wholesale cuts. The cost of feed per kg edible meat was higher (Rs.89.15) in conventional diet fed lambs as compared to complete diets. Among the complete diets the cost of feed (Rs) per kg edible meat was lower (P<0.01) in 8PS diet (65.10) fed to lambs followed by 16PS (71.18) and 12PS (81.26). The result of this study indicated that ground paddy straw incorporated in complete diets improved the carcass characteristics compared to conventional diet. Among the complete diets, the diet containing 8mm ground paddy straw was better for obtaining higher dressing percentage and edible meat with reduced cost of production in lambs.
An on farm experiment for duration of 180 days was conducted with 12 graded Murrah buffaloes in first or second lactation (488.8 kg ± 5.92) (belonging to two farmers) (6 each) to evaluate the effect of feeding expander extruder processed complete diet containing maize cobs. The animals in each farm were divided in 2 groups. First group was fed with expander extruder complete diet (28.5% maize cobs) and second group was fed with conventional diet containing concentrate mixture, green fodder and sorghum straw. Daily milk yield was comparable between both the groups while DM intake was lower (P<0.01) in buffaloes fed complete diet (2.71 kg/100kg body weight) than those fed conventional diet (3.71 kg/100 kg body weight). The buffaloes in both the groups could meet the DM and protein requirements as per the Kearl standards. The feed efficiency (DM intake/kg milk yield) was higher (P<0.01) on complete diet than on conventional diet. Blending of maize cobs along with concentrates and its expander extrusion reduced (P<0.01) the cost of production by 16.29%. The results of this on farm study indicated that maize cobs could be incorporated in rations of dairy cattle without any adverse effect on milk production.
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