Effect of processing of sweet sorghum bagasse based complete diet on growth and carcass traits in growing Ram Lambs Kumari N. Nalini, Reddy Y. Ramana, Nagalakshmi D., Vidya B.* Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary Science, RajendranagarP.V. Narsimha Rao Telangana Veterinary University, Hyderabad-30, India *Corresponding author: anumoluvidya@gmail.com
Online Published on 23 January, 2023. Abstract Kumari, N.N., Reddy, Y.R., Nagalakshmi, D. and Vidya, B. 2023. Effect of processing of sweet sorghum bagasse based complete diet on growth and carcass traits in growing ram lambs. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 23: 65–75. The present study was conducted to identify an appropriate processing method for efficient utilization of sweet sorghum bagasse (SSB) in the complete diets of growing ram lambs.The SSB based complete diet containing 50:50 roughage to concentrate ratio was processed into mash (SSBM), expander extruded (SSBP) and chop form (SSBC) and compared with sorghum stover based complete diet (50:50) in mash form (SSM).Twenty-four growing Nellore x Deccani cross ram lambs of 3 months old were randomly distributed into four groups of six animals each (average body wt. 10.58 + 0.23 kg) in a completely randomized block design (CRD) and conducted a growth trial for a period of 180 days.The average daily gain (ADG) of ram lambs fed SSBP was significantly (P<0.01) higher than SSM, SSBC, SSBM diets and it was comparable among the SSBM, SSM and SSBC diets. Processing SSB based complete diets into different forms did not influence the DMI of lambs. The feed conversion efficiency (kg/kg gain) and cost Rs/kg live weight gain was higher in SSBP fed lambs when compared to other rations. The pre slaughter weight was significantly (P<0.05) higher in SSBP ration compared to other three rations. However, the empty body weight and carcass weights were similar (P>0.05) among the rations. Processing of SSB based and sorghum straw-based diets did not significantly influence the dressing percentage, wholesale cuts of lambs, yield of organs, bone and meat yield (%) and their ratios in various wholesale cuts. It is concluded that, the SSB-based complete diet is better utilized by growing ram lambs if it is processed into expander extruder pellets. Top Keywords Carcass traits, Complete diet, Growth, Lambs, Processing, Sweet sorghum bagasse. Top |