Effect of Processing of Maize Cobs on Nutrient Utilization in Sheep and Goats

Mash and pelleted maize cobs with 5 parts molasses (w/w) were prepared. In first experiment, 12 rams (12-15 m; 25.9 kg) were randomly divided into 2 equal groups and fed either the mesh or pelleted forms of maize cobs ad lib alongwith groundnut cake @ 150 g/d for 30d. In the second experiment, 12 bucks(14-18 me 26.7 kg) were similarly divided into 2 equal groups and fed either the mash or pelleted form of maize cobs ad lib alongwith 250 g/d concentrate mixture for 30 d. Significantly (P<0.01) higher DMI, CP digestlbility. N and P balance were recorded in sheep fed pelleted ration. The DMI, CF and EE digestibility (P<0.01) and P balance (P<0.01) were significantly higher in goats fed on pelleted ration. DCP content was lower on pelleted ration In sheep (P<0.01) and goats (P<0.05). The nutritive value of maize cobs obtained by difference method indicated that pelleting increased the TDN content. The DCP and TDN values obtained by difference method were 1.7 and 413 % for ground maize cobs, 1.7 and 47.0% for pelleted maize cobs in sheep, 1.8 and 44.5% for ground maize cobs and 1.9 and 49.5 % for pelleted maize cobs in goats. The results indicated that pelleting increased the palatability and nutrient utilization of maize cobs in both species.