Nutrient intake, utilization and growth performance of Jalauni lambs and Bundelkhandi kids grazed on Hardwickia binata (anjan) based silvipasture

Abstract

Comparative nutrient utilization and growth performance were studied on 25 each of Jalauni lambs and Bundelkhandi kids under grazing on H. binata based silvipasture during growing (August-October) as well as post growing (November-January) seasons along with supplementation (1% of body weight) of concentrate mixture. The pasture crude protein content was reduced from 8.37% to 6.81% whereas NDF content was increased from 71.0% to 74.8% with advancement of maturity of pastures from September to December. DM intake of lambs and kids was comparable in both the seasons. DM, OM and NDF digestibility were comparable in both the species having no seasonal variation, however, CP digestibility of ingested forage was higher (P<0.05) in the growing season than post-growing season. DCP intake (g/kgW0.75) was higher (5.39 vs 5.34) in September in both the species as compared to December (3.66 vs 3.94). ME intake (MJ/d) was similar in both the species and significantly (P<0.05) higher during post growing season as compared to growing season, however, ME intake (MJ/kgW 0.75) was comparable between the species and seasons. Daily live weight gain was comparable between the species, however, both the species showed significant difference in daily gain for growing and non-growing season. It was concluded that nutrient utilization and growth performance were comparable between lambs and kids, however, digestibility of CP was reduced significantly (P<0.05) during non-growing season in both the species.