Effect of Inclusion of Moringa oliefera Leaf Meal on the Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility and Carcass Characteristics of Deccani Lambs Bhokre S.M.1, Rajanna N.2,*, Chandra A. Sarat2, Nagalakshmi D.3, Ramana D.B.V.4, Kumar M. Shasi5 1Department of Livestock Production Management, KNP College of Veterinary and Animal Science, Maharashtra Animal and Fishery Sciences University, Shirwal, Satara, Pune-411 002, Maharastra, India 2Department of Livestock Production Management, College of Veterinary Science, P.V. Narasimha Rao Telangana Veterinary University, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad-500 030, Telangana, India 3Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary Science, P.V. Narasimha Rao Telangana Veterinary University, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad-500 030, Telangana, India 4Department of Livestock Production Management, ICAR-Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture, Santoshnagar, Hyderabad-500 030, Telangana, India 5College of Dairy Technology, P.V. Narasimha Rao Telangana Veterinary University, Kamareddy-503 111, Telangana, India *Corresponding Author: N. Rajanna, Department of LPM, College of Veterinary Science, P.V. Narasimha Rao Telangana Veterinary University, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad-500 030, Telangana, India, Email: neeradiraj@gmail.com
Online Published on 06 January, 2024. Abstract Background Moringa (Moringa oleifera) is a highly valued plant grown in tropical and subtropical countries. Moringa has a high amount of crude protein, a well-balanced amino acid profile, vitamins and minerals and fewer quantities of antinutritive factors. Methods Eighteen growing Deccani lambs of uniform body weight (14.22±1.5 kg) and age were randomly allotted to three treatment groups viz., 100 per cent groundnut cake (T1), 75% groundnut cake+ 25% Moringa oliefera leaf meal (T2) and 50% groundnut cake+ 50% M. oliefera leaf meal (T3) as a protein source in the concentrate mixture. The experiment was conducted for 90 days. Result No significant difference was found in the fortnightly body weights of the lambs from 1st to 6th fortnights among three dietary groups. Total weight gain and Average Daily gain (ADG) were significant (P<0.01) among the treatment groups whereas DMI (kg/day), per 100 kg and FCR was non-significant. The digestibility coefficients (%) of all nutrients were non-significant (P>0.05) except the NFE. Pre-slaughter weight, empty body weight, hot carcass weights and dressing percent on pre-slaughter weight and empty body weight were comparable among the three groups. Results of the present study indicated that inclusion of 25% Moringa oleifera leaf meal in concentrate mixture proved to be superior and improved the growth performance, digestibility of nutrients and carcass traits without any adverse effects on experimental lambs. Top Keywords Carcass characteristics, Deccani lambs, Growth performance, Moringa oleifera leaf meal, Nutrient digestibility. Top |