EFFECT OF DRIED SPLEEN AS GROWTH STIMULATOR IN KID RATIONS
Loading...
Files
Date
1994
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES Mannuthy - Thrissur
Abstract
An investigation was carried out to assess the
effect of dried spleen as a growth promotant in kid
rations. Twenty four female Kalahari kids with an average
body weight of 8.5 kg were distributed randomly and as
uniformly as possible into four groups (groups I, II, III
and IV) of six animals each, with regard to age and
weight. The four dietary treatments A, B, C and D were
alloted to the kids in the groups I, II, III and IV
respectively, ration A with a concentrate mixture
containing 16 per cent crude protein supplemented with
dried buffalo spleen at the rate of 0.1 per cent, ration B
forming the control diet at 16 per cent protein level
without incorporation of spleen, ration C with a
concentrate mixture containing 12 per cent crude protein
supplemented with dried buffalo spleen at the rate of 0.1
per cent, ration D forming the control diet at 12 per cent
protein level. Jack leaves formed the sole source of
roughage to the animals. The experimental duration was 120
days.
11
The results indicated that incorporation of dried
spleen in the ration enhanced the growth performance of
animals, especially in animals maintained on low level of
protein , as evidenced by the cumulative and average daily
weight gain registered in that descending order being 7.52
kg and 62.64 g, 7.4 kg and 61.67 g, 6.88 kg and 57.36 g
and 5.00 kg and 41.67 g for the animals maintained on
rations C, A, B and D respectively. The efficiency of feed
and protein utilisation also exhibited the same trend. It
was also noticed that, a cost of production per kilogram
gain of Rs. 32.58 and 26.14 were registered for animals
maintained on spleen incorporated rations (rations A and
C) as against Rs. 35.08 and 38.63 respectively for the
animals maintained on corresponding control groups (ration
B and D) indicating a better cost efficiency in spleen
incorporated groups, especially in animals maintained on
low level of crude protein in the ration.
The haematological studies reveal that R.B.C.,
W.B.C., haemoglobin, plasma protein, plasma calcium,
phosphorus and magnesium were within the normal range
prescribed for the species. The animals maintained on
ration C showed a significant increase (P<0.01) in plasma
calcium level when compared to that of the control.
Digestibility studies reveal no significant
difference in digestibility of dry matter and nitrogen
Ill
free extract between the four groups. Animals maintained
on the spleen incorporated rations (groups I and III)
showed better digestibility (P<0.01) of crude protein and
ether extract than the respective control groups (groups
II and IV). Incorporation of dried spleen could not
bringforth any influence on fibre digestion.
The results of the balance experiment showed
better retention of nitrogen, calcium, phosphorus and
magnesium in the animals maintained on spleen incorporated
diets. The higher retention of these parameters could be
substantiated by the comparatively lower faecal and
urinary excretion of these, in animals maintained on
spleen incorporated rations (rations A and C). An over
all assessment of the results, indicated that
incorporation of dried buffalo spleen in the ration of
goats, at the rate of 0.1 per cent, certainly augment the
nutrient utilisation by increasing the digestibility and
retention, and can be recommended as a harmless natural
growth promotant with economic benefit.
Description
Keywords
null
Citation
KVASU reference style