Utilization of Nutrients from Bajra Napier, GN Haulms or Subabul Leaves as Sole Feeds by Growing Sheep

The present study was conducted to compare the utilization of nutrients in vivo and in vitro from Andhra Pradesh Bajra Napier-1 (APBN-1), GN haulms or subabul leaves as sole feed for four Nellore male lambs (10.7 ± 0.5,6 m age). The DM, CP and NDF digestibility were 61.7, 60.4 and 56.0; 54.9, 49.5 and 40.2; 55.6, 55.8 and 49.1 for APBN-1, GN haulms and subabul leaves, respectively. The apparent digestibility (%) of CP and NDF in APBN-1 fodder was higher (P<0.01) than that of GN haulms or subabul leaves. The DCP and TDN (%) were 4.7 and 58.1; 5.5 and 51.7; 10.9 and 48.8 for APBN-1, GN haulms and subabul leaves, respectively. In vitro and in vivo evaluation revealed that the digestibility (%) of DM and NDF were 65.4,61.7 and 53.1, 56.0; 55.0, 54.9 and 35.2, 40.2; 57.0, 55.6 and 44.2, 49.1 for APBN-1, GN haulms or subabul leaves, respectively. It is indicated that APBN-1 was superior to GN haulms or subabul leaves as sole feed for sheep.