Effect of soybean straw on voluntary intake, nutrient utilization and rate of passage in sheep and goats

A study was conducted on 12 female growing sheep and goats having similar age and weight. The animals were kept for 50 days with 30 days as adaptation period, 10 days for rate of passage and the last 10 days for voluntary intake and digestibility studies. All experimental animals were given similar feeding, housing and managemental practices. The voluntary dry matter as well as nutrient intake was significantly (P<0.01) higher in sheep. The digestibility of DM, CP, EE and NFE was significantly (P<0.01) higher in sheep whereas the digestibility of CF was significantly (P<0.01) higher in goats. The rumen retention time and mean retention time were significantly (P<0.01) longer in sheep as compared to goats. Average daily gain was 21.6 g/d in sheep and 15.0 g/d in goat. It may be concluded that utilization of soybean straw was better in sheep as compared to goats.