Comparative studies on Nutrient Utilization, Nutrient balance and Microbial N supply supply in complete diet of maize replaced with broken rice and jowar grain in Nellore rams

Abstract

Abstract The primary objective of this research was to replace corn with broken rice and jowar in a complete diet. Other objectives were nutrient utilization, microbial nitrogen supply and rumen fermentation pattern. Eighteen Nellore rams were randomly divided into 3 groups consisting of 6 animals each in a completely randomized design. Three complete feeds were formulated using maize, broken rice and jowar along with sorghum stover as roughage at the ratio of 50:50 (Concentrate: Roughage). Dry matter, organic matter and crude protein digestibility coefficients were higher (P < 0.01) in complete feed with jowar grain while, the ether extract digestibility was highest in complete feed with maize grain but the crude fiber was lowest in complete feed with broken rice. The hemi cellulose was lowest (P < 0.01) in complete feed with broken rice while the digestibility coefficient of cellulose differed significantly (P < 0.01) and it was highest for complete feed maize grain. The digestible crude protein differed significantly (P < 0.01) in all experimental diets however, the complete feed with jowar grain was highest. The nitrogen intake (g/d), faecal excretion and total nitrogen excretion were lowest (P < 0.01) in complete feed with broken rice while, the nitrogen balance (% absorbed) was highest (P < 0.01) in complete feed with jowar grain. The crude protein intake (g/d) was lowest (P < 0.01) in complete feed with broken rice whereas, the total digestible nutrient intake was significantly highest (P < 0.01) in case of complete feed with jowar grain. Metabolizable Energy intake (Mcal/d) was significantly (P < 0.01) highest for complete feed with jowar grain. The dry matter intake (g/ kgw0.75) was lowest (P < 0.01) in complete feed with broken rice while, total digestible nutrient intake (g/ kgw0.75) was lowest (P < 0.01) in complete feed with maize grain. ME intake (g/ kgw0.75) was highest (P < 0.01) in jowar grain complete feed when compared with complete feed with broken rice and complete feed maize grain. The daily calcium and phosphorous intake and balance were comparable in all experimental diets. Cereal grain feeding did not affect ruminal pH while, the ammonia nitrogen and total volatile fatty acid (mmol/100ml) differed significantly (P < 0.01) among dietary treatments. It is concluded that jowar and broken rice are suitable for substuting maize grain in complete feed.