Effect of energy supplementation to berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum) hay based feed block on growth performance in Jalauni lambs

Growing Jalauni lambs (n=18) of approximately similar age and body weight (14±0.65 kg) were divided in three groups of six animals each. Animals of T1 (control) were fed blocks of berseem (Egyptian clover, Trifolium alexandrinum) hay alone whereas animals of T2 and T3 were fed 15% and 30% maize grain supplemented along with berseem hay based feed block for a period of 90 days. At the middle of the experimental feeding, a digestion cum metabolism trial was conducted for 7 days. Before the onset of metabolism trial, rumen liquor was collected through esophageal tube at 2 hours post feeding. DM and OM intake was significantly (P<0.05) increased in T2 and T3 than T1. DCP intake was not affected among the groups whereas TDN intake was significantly (P<0.05) increased in maize grain supplemented groups. The digestibility coefficients of DM, OM and fiber were higher in T 2 and T 3, however, CP digestibility was comparable among the groups. Ruminal NH3-N concentration was not affected significantly among the groups. TVFA concentration was higher in T2 and T3. The average daily gain was significantly (P<0.05) higher in T2 and T3. Similarly feed conversion efficiency was higher in maize grain supplemented groups than un-supplemented groups. It can be concluded that 15% maize grain supplementation to berseem hay based feed block seems to be sufficient to improve the nutrient utilization and growth performance of Jalauni lambs.