Effect of fodder based complete diets on the rumen fermentation pattern in crossbred bulls

Experiments were conducted utilizing 5 fistulated crossbred bulls in a latin square design with 5 complete feeds with (1) sorghum straw (SS) + subabul (Leucaena leucocephala) forage meal (SFM), (2) SSSsunhemp (Crotalariajuncea) hay meal (SHM), (3) dry mixed grass (DMG) + SFM, (4) DMG + SHM and (5) control ration containing concentrate mixture and chopped SS fed separately. Nitrogen fractions, TVFA and pH values were determined in strained rumen liquor (SRL) taken at different intervals after feeding. The concentrations of all nitrogen fractions except NH3-N were higher on all complete diets shan oo control ration. Peak concentration of all N fractions were at 2h post feeding on all the experimental feeds. The TVFA concentrations peaked at 4h post-feeding on all the experimental feeds showing inverse relationship with pH. These results indicated that rumen fermentation of poor quality roughages can be improved by their incorporation in complete diets. Fermentability of diet containing sorghum straw plus sunhemp hay meal was superior to other diets as it had significantly higher TCA insoluble nitrogen indicative of higher protein synthesis and higher TVFA.