Loading...
Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, Hisar
Browse
Search Results
ThesisItem Open Access Effect of dietary supplementation of moringa oleifera leaf meal on performance, immune response, intestinal microflora and morphometry in poultry(2022-06) Sheoran, Nancy; Tewatia, B. S.To assess the effects of dietary supplementation of Moringa oleifera leaf meal on production performance, immune response, intestinal microflora and morphometry, a study was carried out on broilers and laying hens. First experiment was conducted on 300 one day old Vencobb broiler chicks randomly divided into five treatment groups with 6 replicates of 10 birds each. Second experiment was carried out on 160 laying hens randomly divided into five treatments with 4 replicates of 8 birds each. In both the experiments, T1 group was kept as negative control and given maize-soybean meal based basal ration without any antibiotic, while second group (T2) was kept as control and fed basal ration with antibiotic. In experimental groups T3, T4 and T5 basal ration was supplemented with Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM) @ 1%, 2% and 3%, respectively. In the experiment on broilers, the highest (P<0.05) body weight gain (2057.8g), better FCR (1.76) and higher nutrients metabolizability was observed in T5 group as compared to the control. Carcass traits viz. dressing percentage (78.06), eviscerated % (65.74), drawn % (74.56) and weight of lymphoid organs were recorded highest in T5 group. Human health friendly fatty acids like PUFA, PUFA/SFA and CLA‘s of breast and thigh meat increased (P<0.05) without affecting MUFA in T5 group. In laying hens, egg production parameters viz. percent hen day egg production, egg weight and egg mass improved in T5 group followed by T4. Egg quality parameters like albumin index, haugh unit, egg shell weight and egg shell thickness were observed to be improved (P<0.05) in groups T4 and T5. The fatty acids profile of eggs in respect of PUFA, PUFA/SFA and CLA‘s was improved (P<0.05) while saturated fatty acids and egg cholesterol deceased (P<0.05) in T5 group. Levels of serum cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL under different treatments were reduced (P<0.05) on MOLM supplementation in both experiments and these were recorded lowest (P<0.05) in T5 group. Significant increase was observed in villi height and villi height/crypt depth in T5 group in both broilers and layers. Maximum (P<0.05) reduction in the Coliform count and increased Lactobacilli count in T5 group was also recorded. Improved (P<0.05) Hb level, total protein, albulin, globulin content, H/L ratio was recorded in T5 group in both experiments. Relative mRNA expression of TLR 2 in broilers as well as layers was enhanced (P<0.05) in groups supplemented with 2% (T4) and 3% (T5) MOLM. Cellular and humoral immunity was stimulated (P<0.05) in T5 group followed by T4 group. Net profit was higher in MOLM supplemented groups; however, it was maximumin in 3% MOLM supplemented group (T5). The results of this study showed that the inclusion of M. oleifera up to 3% in both broilers and laying hens rations improved (P<0.05) the production performance traits, meat and egg quality parameters and immune status of birds. Hence, M. oleifera leaf meal may be considered as a potential substitute of antibiotics in poultry rations.ThesisItem Restricted Assessment of minerals profile and nutritionalstatus of lactating cattle and buffaloes in raya-pearl millet growing zone of Haryana(Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary & Animal Science, Hisar, 2023-11) Saharan, Vivek; Tewatia, B.S.An extensive survey was carried out to assess feeding practices, status of macro and micro minerals in feed, fodder, blood, milk and hair and to calculate correlation between intake and minerals status in blood, milk and hair of cattle and buffalo in raya-pearl millet growing zone of Haryana. The survey was conducted during June to November, 2021 (Kharif season) involving 504 dairy farmers. Bajra was the most preferred green fodder used by 74% of farmers followed by sorghum (37.3%) and grasses (35.5%), Wheat straw was the preferred dry roughage used by 90 % of the farmers followed by paddy straw (11.9%). Wheat grain (Dalia) was the common energy source fed by the farmers (54.6%) followed by bajra grain (34.9%). Pelleted concentrate feed was used by 27.7% farmers. Cotton seed cake and mustard cake were the main source of dietary protein used by 62.1% and 20.03% farmers, respectively. Mineral mixture was supplemented by 21.4% of the farmers whereas 83.1% farmers included common salt in the ration. Among dry roughage, maximum CP % was recorded in bajra kadbi (4.14), whereas least CP was recorded in wheat straw (3.06). Among green fodders, bajra fodder was most preferred while the highest CP was recorded in grasses followed by sorghum and bajra fodder. Bajra and wheat grain contained 11.15 and 12.18% crude protein, respectively. The highest CP was recorded in mustard cake followed by cotton seed cake and cotton seed and the values were 35.04, 22.31 and 20.16%, respectively. Green fodders contained appreciable quantities of Ca but deficient in Zn. All dry roughages were deficient in all minerals except Fe. In cereals, bajra was a richer source of Ca than wheat. Wheat contained more P than bajra. Wheat and bajra grain had sufficient amount of Cu but deficient in Mn. Protein sources, mustard cake, cotton seed and cotton seed cake were fairly rich in Ca, P, Zn, Cu and Fe but deficient in Mn. All these feedstuffs were rich in Fe. Dietary intake of Zn was inadequate in both cattle (86%) and buffaloes (95%). Manganese intake was also deficient in both cattle (71%) and buffaloes (76%) while intake of Fe was more than the requirement. Only 35% and 22% of the animals were receiving less Ca and P, respectively, than the requirement. Serum was marginally deficient in Ca and P. Serum Zn was within normal range (0.8 - 2 ppm) while serum Cu was below critical level in cattle in most of the zone except Gurugram, whereas in buffaloes it was below critical level in Gurugram, Mewat and Mahendragarh districts. Fe intake was high due to its high level in feeds; however, its level in serum was within the normal range. Serum Mn was above critical value (0.20 ppm). Milk samples were deficient in Zn and Cu. Hair samples were deficient in Zn and Cu which is indicative of their general deficiency in animal feeds. Correlation between intake of minerals and their level in biological samples indicated that hair reflects dietary intake of Zn and CuThesisItem Restricted Assessment of minerals profile and nutritionalstatus of lactating cattle and buffaloes in raya-pearl millet growing zone of Haryana(Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary & Animal Science, Hisar, 2022-11) Saharan, Vivek; Tewatia, B.S.An extensive survey was carried out to assess feeding practices, status of macro and micro minerals in feed, fodder, blood, milk and hair and to calculate correlation between intake and minerals status in blood, milk and hair of cattle and buffalo in raya-pearl millet growing zone of Haryana. The survey was conducted during June to November, 2021 (Kharif season) involving 504 dairy farmers. Bajra was the most preferred green fodder used by 74% of farmers followed by sorghum (37.3%) and grasses (35.5%), Wheat straw was the preferred dry roughage used by 90 % of the farmers followed by paddy straw (11.9%). Wheat grain (Dalia) was the common energy source fed by the farmers (54.6%) followed by bajra grain (34.9%). Pelleted concentrate feed was used by 27.7% farmers. Cotton seed cake and mustard cake were the main source of dietary protein used by 62.1% and 20.03% farmers, respectively. Mineral mixture was supplemented by 21.4% of the farmers whereas 83.1% farmers included common salt in the ration. Among dry roughage, maximum CP % was recorded in bajra kadbi (4.14), whereas least CP was recorded in wheat straw (3.06). Among green fodders, bajra fodder was most preferred while the highest CP was recorded in grasses followed by sorghum and bajra fodder. Bajra and wheat grain contained 11.15 and 12.18% crude protein, respectively. The highest CP was recorded in mustard cake followed by cotton seed cake and cotton seed and the values were 35.04, 22.31 and 20.16%, respectively. Green fodders contained appreciable quantities of Ca but deficient in Zn. All dry roughages were deficient in all minerals except Fe. In cereals, bajra was a richer source of Ca than wheat. Wheat contained more P than bajra. Wheat and bajra grain had sufficient amount of Cu but deficient in Mn. Protein sources, mustard cake, cotton seed and cotton seed cake were fairly rich in Ca, P, Zn, Cu and Fe but deficient in Mn. All these feedstuffs were rich in Fe. Dietary intake of Zn was inadequate in both cattle (86%) and buffaloes (95%). Manganese intake was also deficient in both cattle (71%) and buffaloes (76%) while intake of Fe was more than the requirement. Only 35% and 22% of the animals were receiving less Ca and P, respectively, than the requirement. Serum was marginally deficient in Ca and P. Serum Zn was within normal range (0.8 - 2 ppm) while serum Cu was below critical level in cattle in most of the zone except Gurugram, whereas in buffaloes it was below critical level in Gurugram, Mewat and Mahendragarh districts. Fe intake was high due to its high level in feeds; however, its level in serum was within the normal range. Serum Mn was above critical value (0.20 ppm). Milk samples were deficient in Zn and Cu. Hair samples were deficient in Zn and Cu which is indicative of their general deficiency in animal feeds. Correlation between intake of minerals and their level in biological samples indicated that hair reflects dietary intake of Zn and Cu.ThesisItem Restricted Effect of dietary fat supplementation on growth performance and milk production in goats(Lala lajpat rai university Hisar, 2022-08) Singh, Anuj; Sihag, Zile SinghA study was conducted to study the effect of dietary fat supplementation on growth performance and milk production in goats. Two experiments (Experiment I was conducted with 30 kids for a period of 90 days and Experiment II was continued for a period of 90 day on 30 lactating goats) were carried out to assess the effects of dietary fat supplementation on growth performance and milk production in goats. In experiment I, the experimental animals were randomly distributed into five treatments having 6 animal in each treatment i.e. T1 (Basal ration), T2 (Basal ration + 20gm linseed oil/animal/day), T3 (Basal ration + 20gm linseed oil bypass fat/animal/day), T4 (Basal ration + 20gm rice bran oil/animal/day) and T5 (Basal ration + 20gm rice bran oil bypass fat/animal/day). The basal ration was formulated as per ICAR (2013). In experiment II, the experimental lactating goats were randomly distributed into five treatments having 6 animal in each treatment i.e. T1 (Basal ration), T2 (Basal ration + 30gm linseed oil/animal/day), T3 (Basal ration + 30gm linseed oil bypass fat/animal/day), T4 (Basal ration + 30gm rice bran oil/animal/day) and T5 (Basal ration + 30gm rice bran oil bypass fat/animal/day). The results revealed that the DMI was non significant (P<0.05) among different supplemented group in both kids as well as in lactating goats. Nutrients intake (g/day) in terms of DCP and TDN did not vary significantly between the treatments groups in both experiments. Average body weight gain (kg) and average daily gain (ADG, g/d) were significantly (p<0.05) higher for supplemented groups than control group in experiment I. ADG and FCR was significantly different (P<0.05) and was found higher in T3 group and improved FCR in bypass fat supplemented group in growing kids. DM and EE digestibility was significantly different (P<0.05) between control and fat supplemented group in both experiments. Balance of nitrogen did not vary between treatment groups in both experiments. There was no change in between haematological parameters under different dietary treatment groups in both experiments. But serum lipid profile shows increased HDL content and lower SFA content as compared to control group in both experiments. Milk yield was significantly different (P<0.05) in experimental lactating goats and was found highest in bypass supplemented group (T3 and T5). Milk lipid profile shows increased PUFA and Omega 3 content in linseed oil and linseed bypass supplemented group as compared to control group. From the ongoing illustrations, it may be concluded that supplementation of bypass fat prepared from linseed oil and rice bran significantly improved the average body weight gain , FCR , milk yield and milk fatty acid profile as compared to the control groupThesisItem Restricted Studies on the comparative feeding practices and minerals status of lactating cattle and buffaloes in paddy – wheat growing zone of Haryana(Lala lajpat rai university Hisar, 2022-09) Ramsawroop; Maan, . N.S.An extensive survey was carried out to assess feeding practices, status of macro and micro minerals in feed, fodder, blood, milk and hair and to calculate correlation between intake and mineral status in blood, milk and hair of cattle and buffalo in paddy-wheat growing zone of Haryana. The survey was conducted during June to November 2021 (Kharif season) on 636 families. Sorghum was the most common used green fodder used by 67% of farmers followed by maize fodder (26%) to fed as green fodder to their lactating cattle and buffaloes. In dry fodders, wheat straw was the preferred over paddy straw and used in every block by most of the farmers (91%) followed by paddy straw (24%). Wheat grain (dalia) was the common energy source fed by most of the farmers (88%). Concentrate pellet was the supplement source of energy and protein used by 46% farmers. Mustard cake and cotton seed cake were the main source of protein used by 49% and 41% of farmers. Mineral mixture was provided by 30% of farmers whereas 40% of farmers included common salt in animal ration. Green fodders contained appreciable quantities of Ca but P was below critical level. P and Zinc were deficient in the samples of green fodders. Mn was observed to be deficient by 9% in bajra fodder and by 5.50% in grasses. All dry roughages were deficient in Ca, P, Cu, Zn and Mn. In cereals, bajra was a richer source of Ca than wheat. Wheat (0.37%) contained more amount of P than bajra. Most of the samples of wheat and bajra grain had sufficient amount of Cu. Concentration of Mn was poor in these sources. Protein sources, mustard cake, cotton seed and cotton seed cake were fairly rich in Zn, Cu and Fe but concentration of Mn was lower. Fe was rich in all the feedstuffs. Regarding intake of mineral, it was found that dietary intake of Zn was inadequate in both cattle (72%) and buffaloes (89%). Mn was also deficient in buffaloes (38%). Intake of Cu was found deficient in Yamunanagar in both the species. Buffaloes of Sonipat & Panchkula districts were also getting Cu less than their daily requirement while intake of Iron was more than the requirement. Only 26% and 23% of the animals were receiving less Ca and P, respectively, than their requirement. Average value of serum Zn in most of the samples was within normal range i.e. 0.8 to 2 ppm while that of serum Cu was below critical level. Intake of Fe was high due to high content in feed and fodders still its level in serum was within the normal range. Serum Mn was above critical value (0.20 ppm). Serum was marginally deficient in Ca and P which might be cause of lactation drainage. Hair samples were deficient in Zn and Cu which is indicative of their general deficiency in animal feeds while none of the hair samples were deficient in Fe. Similarly, milk samples were also deficient in Zn and Cu. All milk samples had Fe concentration above the critical level i.e. 0.3 ppm.ThesisItem Restricted Effect of dietary supplementation of moringa oleifera leaf meal on performance, immune response, intestinal microflora and morphometry in poultry(Lala lajpat rai university Hisar, 2022-06) Sheoran, Nancy; Tewatia, B.STo assess the effects of dietary supplementation of Moringa oleifera leaf meal on production performance, immune response, intestinal microflora and morphometry, a study was carried out on broilers and laying hens. First experiment was conducted on 300 one day old Vencobb broiler chicks randomly divided into five treatment groups with 6 replicates of 10 birds each. Second experiment was carried out on 160 laying hens randomly divided into five treatments with 4 replicates of 8 birds each. In both the experiments, T1 group was kept as negative control and given maize-soybean meal based basal ration without any antibiotic, while second group (T2) was kept as control and fed basal ration with antibiotic. In experimental groups T3, T4 and T5 basal ration was supplemented with Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM) @ 1%, 2% and 3%, respectively. In the experiment on broilers, the highest (P<0.05) body weight gain (2057.8g), better FCR (1.76) and higher nutrients metabolizability was observed in T5 group as compared to the control. Carcass traits viz. dressing percentage (78.06), eviscerated % (65.74), drawn % (74.56) and weight of lymphoid organs were recorded highest in T5 group. Human health friendly fatty acids like PUFA, PUFA/SFA and CLA‘s of breast and thigh meat increased (P<0.05) without affecting MUFA in T5 group. In laying hens, egg production parameters viz. percent hen day egg production, egg weight and egg mass improved in T5 group followed by T4. Egg quality parameters like albumin index, haugh unit, egg shell weight and egg shell thickness were observed to be improved (P<0.05) in groups T4 and T5. The fatty acids profile of eggs in respect of PUFA, PUFA/SFA and CLA‘s was improved (P<0.05) while saturated fatty acids and egg cholesterol deceased (P<0.05) in T5 group. Levels of serum cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL under different treatments were reduced (P<0.05) on MOLM supplementation in both experiments and these were recorded lowest (P<0.05) in T5 group. Significant increase was observed in villi height and villi height/crypt depth in T5 group in both broilers and layers. Maximum (P<0.05) reduction in the Coliform count and increased Lactobacilli count in T5 group was also recorded. Improved (P<0.05) Hb level, total protein, albulin, globulin content, H/L ratio was recorded in T5 group in both experiments. Relative mRNA expression of TLR 2 in broilers as well as layers was enhanced (P<0.05) in groups supplemented with 2% (T4) and 3% (T5) MOLM. Cellular and humoral immunity was stimulated (P<0.05) in T5 group followed by T4 group. Net profit was higher in MOLM supplemented groups; however, it was maximumin in 3% MOLM supplemented group (T5). The results of this study showed that the inclusion of M. oleifera up to 3% in both broilers and laying hens rations improved (P<0.05) the production performance traits, meat and egg quality parameters and immune status of birds. Hence, M. oleifera leaf meal may be considered as a potential substitute of antibiotics in poultry rationsThesisItem Open Access Effect of Dietary Supplementation with Omega-3 and Omega-6 Rich Oil on Growth Performance and Pubertal Age in Sahiwal Heifers(LUVAS, 2019) Sushil Kumar; Sihag, SajjanThe study was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation with Omega-3 and Omega-6 rich oil on growth performance, blood metabolites, ovarian follicular growth and pubertal age in Sahiwal heifers. Eighteen healthy Sahiwal heifers of average 18.33±1.14 month’s age and 194±4.16 kg body weights were randomly assigned to 3 treatment groups viz. T1, T2 & T3with 6 animals in each. Heifers were individually fed as per ICAR (2013) diets of chopped wheat straw, green fodder and concentrate mixture. The concentrate mixtures fed to the heifers under treatment group T2 and T3 were supplemented with ω-6 fatty acid rich soybean oil and ω-3 fatty acid rich linseed oils@ 3.5 percent, respectively. To make the rations iso-caloric, palm oil @ 3.5 percent was supplemented in the concentrate mixture of heifers in control group (T1). All the concentrate mixtures were isonitrogenous and isocaloric. Saturated fatty acid percent was highest in palm oil followed by soybean oil and least in linseed oil. Omega-6 proportion was highest in soybean oil (52.30%) as compared to palm oil (10.78) and linseed oil (16.40%) while omega-3 was found to be highest in linseed oil (55.60%).Daily DMI was significantly (P<0.05) higher in heifers fed linseed oil supplemented concentrate mixture as compared to others. Total body weight gain and ADG was significantly (P<0.05) higher T3 than T2 and control heifers. The OMD was significantly (P<0.05) improved in groups fed omega-6 and omega-3 rich oils as compared to control. The CP, DCP and TDN percent; and TDN intake did not differ among different dietary treatments. The FCE improved upon supplementation of omega-3 rich FA oil, but non-statistically. Plasma concentration of glucose, NEFA, triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol remained unaffected among different treatments. LO or SO supplementation increased (P<0.05) serum total cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol level over control. Plasma GH did not differ among different treatments but Insulin was significantly (P<0.05) higher in the plasma of heifers in T3. Pooled values of plasma IGF-1 was significantly higher in T2 and T3 compared to T1. Plasma progesterone level at day 12 post-estrous was significantly higher in T3 compared to control and T2.Number of large sized follicles (≥10mm) and size of ovulatory follicle increased significantly (P<0.05) upon PUFA supplementation. The CL size was greater (P<0.05) in T2 and T3 heifers as compared to control. Feeding linseed oil resulted in significant (P<0.05) reduction in the estrous age of Sahiwal heifers as compared to others. The findings of the present study inferred that feeding PUFA rich oil to pre-pubertal Sahiwal heifer’s results in advantageous changes in the blood metabolites, plasma hormones and ovarian functions without any negative effects on nutrients’ utilization. The study deduced that ω-3 fatty acid supplementation reduces pubertal age of Sahiwal heifers.ThesisItem Restricted Effect of processing and enzyme supplementation in pearl millet based broiler diets(LUVAS, 2006) Udeybir; Yadav, K.R.The present study was undertaken to find out the effect of processing and enzyme supplementation in pearl millet based broiler diets. Four hundred commercial broiler chicks in ten treatments in experiment-1 and four hundred forty broiler chicks in eleven treatments in experiment-2 were randomly distributed with two replicates of twenty birds each. Ration containing 52 percent maize was formulated to be used as control (T1) during starter phase (0 - 4 week) while 66 percent maize was used during finisher phase (4 - 6 week). The other rations were: T2- 66% maize replaced with pearl millet, T3 - 100% maize replaced with pearl millet, T4- T1 + multi-enzyme, T5 - T2 + multi-enzyme, T6- T3 + multi-enzyme, T7 - 66% maize replaced with reconstituted pearl millet, T8- 100% maize replaced with reconstituted pearl millet, T9 - T7 + multi-enzyme and T10- T8 + multi-enzyme for experiment-1. In experiment-2 all the diets were in pelleted form except T1 which was in mash form as under experiment-1, T2 Control - maize based ration, T3 - T2 + multi-enzyme, T4 - 66% maize replaced with pearl millet, T5- 100% maize replaced with pearl millet, T6 - T4 + multi-enzyme, T7 - T5 + multi-enzyme, T8 - 66% maize replaced with reconstituted pearl millet, T9 - 100% maize replaced with reconstituted pearl millet, T10 - T8 + multi-enzyme and T11 - T9 + multi-enzyme. In experiment-I significantly higher body weight gain, better FCR and higher performance index were observed at 66 percent pearl millet and reconstituted pearl millet based diets. Similar feed intake was observed in 66 and 100 percent pearl millet and reconstituted pearl millet with or without enzyme supplementation. Non-significant differences were observed in protein efficiency in all the treatments. Dry matter retention significantly increased when pearl millet was incorporated at 66 percent level and reconstituted pearl millet at 66 and 100 percent level. The significantly higher nitrogen retention was observed in pearl millet based ration. Significant difference in gross energy metabolizability was observed in pearl millet based diet. The excreta moisture was significantly higher in treatments T2, T3, T6, T7, T8, T9 and T10. The intestinal viscosity, dressed yield, eviscerated yield, drawn yield, giblet yield, thigh muscle and breast muscle composition, weight (% live weight) of liver, heart and gizzard were non-significant in various treatments. In experiment-II, significantly higher body weight gain in all the pearl millet based diets (except T5) as compared to T1 were observed. But when compared to T2 significantly higher body weight gain was observed in 66 percent pearl millet based diet (with or without enzyme) for overall period. Significantly lower feed intake was observed in pearl millet based pelleted feed as compared to T1 (control). Feed intake in pearl millet based pelleted diet without or with enzyme supplementation did not differ significantly as compared to T2 (control) except T8 for overall growth period. Significantly better feed conversion ratio was observed in T4, T6, T8 and T10. Pearl millet and reconstituted pearl millet with or without enzymes at 66 percent level had significantly better performance index. Significantly higher protein efficiency in 66 percent pearl millet and reconstituted pearl millet with or without enzyme supplementation and non-significant at 100 percent pearl millet and reconstituted pearl millet based diet with or without enzymes were observed. The pearl millet and reconstituted pearl millet pelleted broiler ration had significantly higher dry matter retention as compared to T2 except 100 percent reconstituted pearl millet based diets (T9 and T11) with or without enzyme supplementation. Nitrogen retention was significantly higher in pearl millet and reconstituted pearl millet based diet with or without enzyme supplementation (except T5 and T7) as compared to maize based pelleted feed (T2). There was a significant difference in gross energy metabolizability in pearl millet and reconstituted pearl millet based diet without or with enzyme supplements as compared to T2. Significantly higher excreta moisture was observed in T5, T7 and T9 as compared to T2. The intestinal viscosity, dressed yield, eviscerated yield, drawn yield, giblet yield, thigh muscle and breast muscle composition, weight (% live weight) of liver, heart and gizzard were non-significant in various treatments. The relative profit was higher in pearl millet and reconstituted pearl millet based diet than maize based diet.ThesisItem Restricted Evaluation of crop residue based complete feed blocks in ruminants(LUVAS, 2004) Sunda, Surender Kumar; Lohan, O.P.The present study was undertaken with the objectives to study the effect of replacing wheat straw with different crop residues and leguminous hay in complete feed blocks on milk yield, growth rate and rumen metabolites. The in vivo study was completed in three experiments. Experiment-I Sixteen crossbred lactating cows randomly divided into 4 groups of 4 animals in each and fed on dry roughage based complete feed blocks. The wheat straw plus mixed berseem and cowpea hay (1:1) + concentrates complete feed blocks offered in T1. Wheat straw was further replaced with paddy straw in T2, sugarcane bagasse in T3 and mustard straw in T4 at 50 percent level and offered for 90 days. The roughage to concentrate ratio was maintained at 60:40. The roughage portion of feed was treated with 15 per cent molasses before mixing with concentrates mixture to increase the adhesive characteristics of roughages. There was no significant effect on milk yield, SNF and total solids content of milk due to different dietary treatments. However, milk protein content was significantly (P<0.05) higher in T1 as compared to other diets. Fat content diet was significantly (P<0.05) higher on T1 and T4 diets as compared to T2 and T3 diets. It was observed that DMI/Animal/d and DMI/100 kg BW/d was significantly (P<0.05) higher in treatment T1, T2 as compared to T3 and T4 treatments, while there was no significant difference between treatments T1 and T2 vis-a-vis T3 and T4. The digestibility of DM was significantly (P<0.05) higher in treatments T1, T2 and T3 as compared to T4 treatment, while there was non-significant difference in T1, T2 and T3. Similar trend was observed in respect of CP, CF, EE and NFE digestibilities. The NDF digestibilities were not differed significantly. However, ADF digestibility was significantly (P<0.05) higher in T1 and T2 as compared to T3 and T4 treatments, with non-significant difference between T3 and T4 treatments. Experiment-II In this experiment, 18 buffalo heifers were divided into three groups having six in each. The wheat straw in T1 was replaced with mustard straw at 20 (T2) and 30 percent level (T3), respectively. In each treatment roughage to concentrate ratio was kept 60:40. Molasses was added at 15 percent level. Water was added to keep the moisture level between 15-17 percent and the mixture was densified. The daily DM intake was 5.84, 5.71 and 5.22 kg in treatment T1, T2 and T3, and there was non-significant difference among them. The DM intake/100 kg BW was 1.92 kg in T1, 1.91 kg in T2 and 1.69 kg in T3; the differences were statistically non-significant. DM digestibility co-efficient was similar among treatments. Similar trend was observed for crude protein and fibre fractions digestibilities in these diets. The average daily weight gain (g) was significantly (P<0.05) higher in T1 (509.80) as compared to T2 (423.53) and T3 (355.00), however, the differences were non-significant between T1 and T2 and between T2 and T3 treatments. Feed consumed per kg gain was 11.90 kg in T1, 14.31 kg in T2 and 14.44 kg in T3. Experiment-III The complete feed blocks developed for experiment-I were also evaluated in rumen fistulated adult cattle in a 4x4 switch over design. The daily dry matter intake per animal, and per 100 kg body weight was significantly higher in T1 and T2 treatment as compared to T3 and T4 treatments, however, between treatment T1 and T2 vis-a-vis T3 and T4 there was no significance difference. The DM digestibility was significantly (P<0.05) higher in treatments T1, T2 and T3 as compared to T4 treatment. Protein digestibility was higher in T1 and T2 treatments as compared to treatments T3 and T4, whereas the differences between T1 and T2 vis-a-vis T3 and T4 were non-significant. Similar trend were observed in EE, NFE and fibre fraction digestibilities coefficients. There was no significant difference observed in rumen pH due to treatments, however, significantly (P<0.05) higher pH was observed at 0 h as compared to post feeding periods i.e. 3, 6 and 9 h. The mean total nitrogen was significantly (P<0.05) higher on T3 diet followed in descending order by T4, T1 and T2 diets. The time of sampling also affected significantly (P<0.056) total nitrogen. The NH3-N concentration was significantly (P<0.05) higher in T1, T3 and T4 than in T2 diets. The peak of NH3 production was attained at 3 h post feeding, irrespective of the diets. The protein nitrogen concentration was significantly (P<0.05) higher in T3 diet followed by T2, T4 and T1 diets. The T2 had significantly (P<0.05) lowest, the treatment T4 the highest production of TVFA, while T1 and T3 treatments had the intermediate value.
