Voluntary intake and nutrient digestibility of low-grade roughage by ruminants

Abstract

SUMMARYFour young females of four ruminant species, namely cattle, buffalo, sheep and goat, were fed, in chopped form, a mixture of species of dry grass (Apluda aristata and Themada quadvivalvis; 3·85% crude protein) during a 28-day experimental period. Voluntary intake of grass was determined during the last 10 days and digestibility of feed nutrients during the last 6 days.The digestibility coefficients of dry matter (D.M.) and crude fibre were higher for goats than other species, of organic matter, crude protein (CP) and ether extract were higher for goats and sheep than cows and buffaloes and of nitrogen-free extract higher for goats than cows and buffaloes and for sheep and buffaloes than cows. The daily intake of D.M., digestible CP and total digestible nutrients (TDN) is discussed in relation to body weight (BW) and kg W0·75.Dry grass fed with mineral and vitamin supplement was adequate to sustain the body weights of buffaloes and goats but not of cows and sheep. Buffaloes utilized the dry grass better than other species as is evident from the highest feed and TDN intakes and marginal gain in weight.