Effect of densification of gram straw (Cicer arietinum) based complete feed mixture on performance of Magra lambs.

An experiment was conducted for a period of 120 days to evaluate gram straw based complete feed blocks in Magra lambs. Eight male Magra lambs with average age of 4–5 m and weight 13.41±0.74 kg wererandomly divided into two equal groups. One group was given complete feed in loose form (CFL) and second group was offered in block form (CFB) prepared at 4000 psi. The complete feed prepared was consisting of gram straw 60%, groundnut cake 12%, barley 8%, DORB 5%, guar korma 12%, mineral mixture 2% and common salt 1%. The dry matter intake calculated in terms of g/kgW0.75 and kg/100 kg BW were recorded to be 76.81 and 3.72 for CFL and 83.76 and 4.02 for CFB group, respectively. The digestibility of dry matter, gross nutrients and fibre fractions did not reveal any significant effect of densification of complete feed. Complete feed in block form ensured significantly higher live weight gain (92.92g/d) as compared to loose form (78.33 g/d). DCP and TDN contents as well as intakes were also comparable in both the groups. All the animals had positive nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus balance with significantly higher nitrogen balance in block fed group. It was concluded that densification of complete feed improved nutrient utilization and growth performance in lambs.