Evaluation of Complete Rations Containing Fallen Banyan (Ficus bengalensis))Ree Leavee in Native Lambs

Four isonitrogenous complete rations (CR) contaning groundunt haulms (GH)) at 60% level (CR-I), ground fallen banyan tree leaves (BTL) replacing GH (W/W basis) at 15 (CR-2), 30 (CR-3) and 45 (CR-4) per cent were evaluted In terms of nutrient digestibility and nitrogen (N) balance in nellore weaner ram lambs. The average daily gain (g/d) was 83,70, 58 and 37 in lam bs fed complete rations 1 to 4, rerectively. Inclusion on BTL upto 15 % level replacing GH in complete ration did not affect the DM, intake nutrient digestibility except that of hemicellulose, feed efficiency and N balance in growing iambs. Significantly lower (P<0.05) N retention was observed In lambs fed CR.4 as compared to those fed complete rations 1 to 3. Based on the overall perfomance it is soncluded that inclusion of BTL in the complete rations of growing sheep should be restricted to 15% as a source of roughage component.