Effect of substitution of Groundnut Cake with Mustard Cake on the growth performance and nutrients utilization of Corriedale Lamb.

A study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of replacement of groundnut cake with mustard cake on the performance of growing lambs. Twenty-four pure-bred Corriedale male lambs of 3–4 months of age with an average body weight of 13.62±0.49 kg, were randomly divided into four groups of six each. The dietary treatments consisted of iso-nitrogenous and iso-caloric concentrate mixtures in which groundnut cake (GNC) was replaced at 0, 50, 75 and 100% levels by mustard oil cake (MOC) and designated as G1, M1, M2 and M3 groups, respectively. The lambs were fed weighed quantity of concentrate mixture and ad libitum chopped oat hay for 90 days. Growth performance and dry matter intakes did not differ significantly among the groups. The average daily gain (g) were 76.63, 75.95, 68.67 and 68.89 in G1, M1, M2 and M3 groups, respectively. Cost of feeding (Rs/kg weight gain) reduced with increasing level of mustard cake in the diet. Feed conversion ratio was lowest (9.04) in 50% GNC group. The animals were in positive nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus balance. Significantly (P<0.05) higher nitrogen balance was observed in M1 in comparison to other groups. It is concluded that groundnut cake may completely be replaced by mustard oil cake without affecting the performance of lambs and economizing the cost of feeding.