Effect of incorporation of mustard (Brassica campestris) straw in the complete feed on nutrient utilization by sheep

Three iso-nitrogenous complete feeds containing mustard straw at 40 (T-1), 50 (T-2) and 60 (T-3) per cent levels were formulated and evaluated using 18 Marwari rams by conducting feeding trial of 28 days followed by metabolism trial for 7 days. The dry matter intake was 80.90, 77.01 and 74.74 g/ kgW(0.75) and 3.68, 3.50 and 3.41 kg/100kg BW, respectively, in T-1, T-2 and T-3 groups without any significant differences. Apparent digestibility of dry matter, gross nutrients and fibre fractions were similar among the three diets. The DCP and TDN contents of complete feeds were 10.33 and 57.38, 9.89 and 54.26 and 9.12 and 53.03 per cent, respectively in T-1, T-2 and T-3 treatment groups. There was no significant difference between groups in the intake of DCP and TDN per kg metabolic body weight. All animals were in positive nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus balances and there was no differences between treatment groups. It can be concluded that mustard straw can be incorporated in the complete feed up to 60 % level without much adverse effect on voluntary feed intake and utilization of nutrients in sheep.