Nutritional evaluation of complete feed containing gram (Cicer arietinum) straw in sheep

Iso-nitrogenous complete feeds, containing 40 (T1), 50 (T2) and 60(T3) per cent gram straw were formulated and evaluated using 18 Marwari rams. The dry matter intake was 87.9, 84.1 and 80.1 g/kgW0.75 without significant differences amongst groups. Apparent digestibility of DM, gross nutrients and fibre fractions were similar among diets, however, NFE digestibility was higher in T1 than that of T2 and T3. The DCP and TDN contents of complete feeds were 11.0 and 59.0, 10.4 and 56.3, 10.1 and 54.9 per cent, respectively in T1, T2 and T3 groups. Intake of DCP and TDN were higher (P<0.01) in sheep fed complete feed having gram straw at 40% level compared to 60%. Balance of nitrogen and phosphorus in different treatments were similar. However, calcium retention was observed to be higher in sheep fed 60% gram straw in complete feed. All animals were in positive N, Ca and P balances. The daily gain in T1, T2 and T3 groups was comparable, indicating that level of gram straw in the complete feed did not affect the daily gain. It was concluded that gram straw could be incorporated in the complete feed for sheep up to 60% level without any adverse effect on voluntary feed intake and utilization of nutrients in sheep.