Nutrient utilization and rumen fermentation on feeding fresh or conserved berseem in kids.

Fifteen post-weaned Barbari kids (6–7 months age), divided equally into three treatment groups were fed berseem fodder in the form of fresh or hay or silage ad lib, plus 100 g concentrate mixture. A metabolism trial was conducted after 24 days of experimental feeding. Thereafter, rumen liquor samples were collected on two consecutive days at zero hour of feeding. DMI (g/kg W07S) was significantly higher (P<0.01) on fresh berseem (84.65) and hay (74.52) fed groups than in silage fed group (50.12). Similar trend was observed in respect of TDN and DCP intake, however, DCP intake was similar in hay and silage fed groups. DM digestibility varied significantly (P<0.01) among the groups, highest being in group 1. Whereas, OM, CP and CF digestibilities were significantly (P<0.01) higher in fresh berseem than in other groups. N-balance was highest (P<0.01) in fresh berseem and lowest in berseem silage fed group. Rumen pH ammonia-N total VFA and total protozoal counts were similar among treatment groups. Although berseem silage feeding did not have any negative impact on rumen fermentation but post-weaned Barbari kids exhibited better TDN and DCP intake on fresh and hay of berseem fodder.