Effect of complete diets containing different dual-purpose sorghum stovers on nutrient utilization and growth performance in sheep

Abstract

The complete diets containing different dual-purpose sorghum stovers were evaluated for their comparative effect on nutrient utilization and growth performance of ram lambs. Twenty four Nellore x Deccani cross ram lambs of 4–6 months old (body weight, 14.39 ± 0.24 kg) were divided into four groups of six animals each in a completely randomized design. Experimental rations containing different sorghum stovers and concentrate ingredients were processed into mash and offered in the form of complete rations viz. local sorghum, Phule chitra, IS 12015 and IS 23143-based diets. Significant variations were found among the four sorghum cultivars (local Sorghum and 3 dual purpose cultivars: Phule chitra, IS 12015, and IS 23143) in all the chemical constituents, except for ether extract, calcium (Ca), and phosphorus (P). The effects on in vitro gas production parameters were not appreciable. The cultivar based complete rations did not influence the weekly body weight changes of lambs during 120-day growth trial. Dry matter intake (DMI) of lambs fed dual purpose sorghum stover based rations was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than the local sorghum stover based ration. Although the diets did not affect the feed conversion ratio (FCR), the dual purpose sorghum stover-based ration needed high cost per kg mutton production. The digestibilities of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM) and total carbohydrates (TCHO) were higher (P < 0.05) in the rations prepared from the stovers of improved sorghum cultivars. The crude protein (CP) digestibility and nitrogen (N) balance was higher (P < 0.05) in lambs fed Phule chitra based ration. Even though the diets did not affect Ca and P balance, a tendency of lower (P = 0.09) urinary Ca and P retention was found in sheep fed local sorghum-based ration. It can be concluded that among the four evaluated sorghum cultivars, Phule chitra cultivar performed better in terms of growth and nutrient utilization.