Utilization of Lentil (lens Culinaris) Straw in the Ration of Growing Barberi Kids

Lentil (Lens culinaris) straw as such and its total mixed ration (TMR) were evaluated in the diet of growing Barberi male kids. Experiment was conducted in two groups of five Barberi male kids in each group. They were fed either ad libitum lentil straw (LS) or LS based TMR (LSTMR). Lentil straw alone was a superior (CP, 9.21%) feed ingredient for kids but having quite high crude fibre (39.59%) and Ca: P ratio (10:1). Negative growth rate and N balance (-33.78 and 1.38g/day, respectively) on LS became positive (40 and 1.50g/day, respectively) using LSTMR in the diet of kids. Use of LS in TMR increased the digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM) and nitrogen free extract (NFE) (P<0.01) with crude protein and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) (P<0.05). Improvement in intake of DM, energy (total digestible nutrients, TDN) and protein (digestible crude protein, DCP) as well as total volatile fatty acids (TVFA) concentration (P<0.01) in the strained rumen liquor was observed. It has also been suggested that feeding of lentil straw in total mixed ration is a cost effective method of kids rearing.