Nutrient Profiling and In-Vitro Fermentation Dynamics of Maize, Bajra, Soybean Meal, and CoFS-31 Fodder used in Stall-Fed Sheep Systems
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48165/ijvsbt.22.1.23Keywords:
Bajra, CoFS-31, Maize, Metabolizable energy, Proximate composition, Soybean mealAbstract
Efficient lamb production relies on balanced rations using local feed resources. The present study evaluated the proximate composition, fibre fractions, and in-vitro metabolizable energy (ME) using standard laboratory protocols for commonly used feed ingredients such as maize, bajra, soybean meal (SBM), and CoFS-31 fodder used in stall-fed sheep production systems in northern Karnataka. Crude protein (CP) varied widely from 4.10% in CoFS-31 to 46.06% in SBM. Maize and bajra showed comparable CP contents (8.29% and 8.33%) and low crude fibre (2.21-2.29%), indicating their high energy potential. Gas production increased with incubation time in all samples, showing a rapid rise between 4 to 12 h and stabilizing thereafter. Net gas production (mL/g DM) was higher for maize (324.95), followed by bajra (311.55), SBM (243.05), and CoFS-31 (152.10). Corresponding ME values (MJ/kg DM) were 12.62, 12.22, 12.34, and 7.19, respectively. SBM recorded the higher digestibility (IVDMD 73.08%; IVOMD 79.33%), while CoFS-31 exhibited high fibre (NDF 59.73%) and lower ME, confirming its role as structural roughage. Overall, maize and bajra are rich in fermentable carbohydrates, SBM is an excellent protein source, and CoFS-31 provides essential fibre. A balanced combination of these feeds offers a region-specific, economical, and nutritionally efficient ration to enhance sheep productivity in northern Karnataka.
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