The feeding values of Dinanath grass and Sweet Sorghum fodder at the post-flowering stage for crossbred heifers

Abstract

The feeding value of Dinanath grass with sorghum fodder at the post-flowering stage was compared in the present study Sixteen crossbred heifers (274±11 d) and weight (85.3±4.9 kg) were grouped in 8 pairs based on their age and live weight. One animal from each pair was randomly allotted to one of the two groups T1 and T2. In T1, the animals were offered Dinanath grass fodder, whereas, in T2 sorghum fodder ad-lib, the fodders were enriched with urea, @ 0.4 and 0.2% on a fresh weight basis, respectively. They were also given 1 Kg concentrate mixture (40% wheat grain; 40% groundnut cake; 20 % gram husk), 30 g common salt, and chalk 30 g daily for 13 weeks. The body weight of the animals was calculated weekly multiplication, of length (cm) and heart girth (cm) of the animal divided by 11200. After 21 days of adaptation, a 7-days digestibility trial was conducted to compare intake and digestibility data. The samples were chemically analyzed for proximate principles using standard techniques. The data were subjected to statistical analysis using suitable methods. It can be concluded that Dinanath grass and sorghum fodders both are equally inferior in nutritive value in the post-flowering stage and should not be continued for a long period as the sole feed without nutrient supplementation.