Evaluation of Complete Rations Containing Cowpea (Vigna Sinensis) Hay for Nellore Ram Lambs

Four isonitrogenous complete rations were formulated and processed into mash using cowpea (Vigna sinensis) hay at 70 (CR-1), 60 (CR-2), SO (CR-3) and 40 per cent (CR-4) and fed to 16 growing Nellore brown lambs in a completely randomised design. In the second experiment, these rations were fed to 4 adult rams using a 4 x 4 latin square design to assess their nutrient utilization. The level of cowpea hay in the complete feeds did not affect the average daily gain, DM intake and feed efficiency. The feed cost per kg gain was Us. 8.43, 9.50, 10.61 and 11.72 for CR-1 to CR-4, respectively. The digestibilities of CP (P < 0.01) and EE were significantly (P < 0.05) higher on CR-4 than on CR-1 and CR-2. The digestibility of NDF (P < 0.05) and cellulose (P < 0.01) were also significantly higher for CR-1 than all other complete feeds and hemicellulose digestibility was significantly (P < 001) higher for CR-1 and CR-2 than CR-3 and CR-4. All the experimental animals were in positive N, Ca and P balances.