Feed conversion efficiency and carcass traits of Deccani lambs fed on dhaincha (Sesbania aculeata) and Lucerne (Medicago sativa).

摘要

This study was conducted to investigate the use of various subsidiary and unconventional feeds for livestock nutrition. 24 lambs were fed with 0, 25, 50 and 75% green dhaincha with lucerne and treated as T₀, T₁, T₂ and T₃ groups, respectively. The highest daily gain in the body weight of lambs was observed in T₀, followed by T₂, T₃ and T₁. Significant differences were observed in the daily and total body weight gains. Differences in dry matter intake (DMI) within the treatments were significant. Daily DMI was significantly higher in T₀ than in the other treatments. Feed conversion efficiency was highest in T₂ and lowest in T₃. Significant differences were observed in dressing percentage among the treatments. The bone:meat ratio, meat acceptability and feed cost per kg weight gain differed insignificantly between the groups.