NUTRIENT UTILIZATION OF CONCENTRATE MIXTURES WITH VARYING LEVELS OF PAPAYA (Carica papaya) POMACE BY NATIVE MALE BUFFALOES

摘要

Four isonitrogenous (20% CP) concentrate mixtures were formulated by incorporating the Papaya (Carica papaya) pomace at 0 (CM-1) 20 (CM-2), 35 (CM-3) and 50% (CM-4) levels. The experimental rations R-l to T-4 comprised 1.35 kg of the respective concentrate mixtures and 4.5 kg of rice straw and were evaluated in a 4 x 4 latin square design experiment with four rumen fistulated native buffalo bulls (280 +- 2.0 kg) to evaluate nutrient utilization, balances of N, Ca and P and rumen metabolic profiles. The daily DM intake (DMI) was in the range of 5345 to 5355 g per animal fed the experimental rations. Inclusion of papaya pomace at 10, 20 and 30% levels in the rations had no significant effect on digestibility of organic nutrients. However, the digestibility of cell wall constituents increased linearly (P > 0.05) with the inclusion of papaya pomace. All the the animals were in positive balance for N, Ca and P. The inclusion level of papaya pomace in the rations had no significant effect on rumen pH values. However, NH_3-N concentration in the rumen liquor of the buffaloes decreased (P < 0.05) and TVFA concentration increased (P < 0.05) with increase of papaya pomace inclusion in the rations. The DCP and TDN intakes observed with the buffaloes fed on experimental rations indicated that they were adequate to meet the nutrient requirements as suggested by Kearl (1982) for maintenance. It is concluded that papaya pomace can be included at 30% level in concentrate mixtures of buffaloes fed on rice straw based rations for maintenance without any adverse effect on nutrient utilization.