Supplementation of wheat straw with sesbania on voluntary intake, digestibility and ruminal fermentation in sheep

Abstract

The study was conducted to investigate the effect of supplementation of sesbania ( Sesbania aculata) on the voluntary intake, digestibility and ruminal fermentation characteristics in sheep. Digestion trials were conducted with four Cameroon wethers fed ad libitum wheat straw alone (T0), wheat straw supplemented on dry matter (DM) basis with 10 (T1) and 20% (T2) dried sesbania in 3×3 Latin square design. Three rumen fistulated Merino sheep were also used under same feeding and management conditions for rumen parameter studies. Daily total DM intake (g/kg BW 0.75) was significantly increased ( P<0.01) by 50 and 71% by 10 and 20% sesbania. Straw DM intake (g/kg BW 0.75) was increased 36% by 10 and 20% sesbania. Digestibility of the nutrients was improved with increasing levels of sesbania compared to feeding wheat straw diet alone. Average daily gain (g) of the sheep receiving T1 (−23±43) and T2 (139±31) diets was significantly ( P<0.05) higher than those with T0 (−84±68) diet. Rumen fluid pH declined linearly ( P<0.05) with increasing sesbania while concentration of rumen ammonia was not significantly affected. Total volatile fatty acids (VFA) was higher ( P<0.05) in sheep fed T1 and T2 diets than those fed T0 diet. It was concluded that wheat straw was better utilized by sheep when sesbania was supplemented at the level of 20%.