Effect of using Kochia indica on productive performance of ruminants
Abstract: Fifteen Egyptian cross-bred (½ Finn. X ½ Rahmani) rams aged about 2 years with an average body weight of 62 kg were used in five digestibility trials (three rams in each experiment) to determine the nutritive value of five experimental rations. Ration I (Control) consisted of 100% berseem hay (BH); while in the other four rations (R2, R3, R4 and R5) 25, 50, 75 and 100% BH were replaced by dried Kochia indica (DKI). Rumen liquor and blood samples were collected at the end of the experimental period. While, the feeding trial was carried out using twenty-one male buffalo calves aged 5 months with an average body weight of 13l±2.4 kg and divided into three similar groups (seven calves in each group) which were fed on three diets. The control diet 1 (D1) consisted of 60% concentrate mixture (CM) + 40% BH, while in D2 and D3 50 and 25% from BH replaced by DKI ,respectively.
Results of digestibility trial show that the CP and CF content decreased, while the NFE and ash content increased by the increasing of DKI level in the rations. Daily DM intake decreased (P<0.05) by increasing the level of DKI in the ration, while the differences between R1 and R2 were not significant. The digestibility of all nutrients were decreased (P<0.05) by increasing the level of DKI in R4 and R5 comparing with those in RI, R2 and R3. The nutritive value as TDN, ME and DCP for RI and R2 were higher (P<0.05) than those for R3, R4 and R5. The ruminal pH values were lower (P<0.05) while the NH3-N concentration were higher (P<0.05) in the rumen fluid Of rams fed on R. and R2 than those fed on R3, R4 and R5. The total VFA's concentration decreased (P<0.05) by increasing the level of DKI in the rations. The nitrogen balance for rams fed on R3 and R2 was higher (P>0.05) than those for rams fed on R3, R4 and R5 The count of RBC's, WBC's and Hb concentration in blood of rams fed on R1, R2 and R3 were higher (P<0.05) than those fed on R4 and R5. While, the concentration of TP, AL and GL (g %) were higher (P<0.05), while the concentration of GOT (IU/L) in serum of rams fed on R1 and R2 were lower (P<0.05) than those fed on R3, R4 and R5. The results of feeding trial indicated that the average daily gain of buffalo calves fed D1 and D2 was higher (P<0.05) than those fed D3. The feed conversion and economical efficiency were improved, while the feed cost were decreased for animals fed D1 and D2 comparing with those fed D3. .
Key words: Kochia indica, lambs, digestibility, rumen fermentation and Buffalo calves performance.
Publication year 2007
Availability location معهد بحوث الانتاج الحيوانى- شارع نادى الصيد- الدقى - الجيزة
Availability number
Organization Name
City كفر الشيخ
serial title Journal Agricultural Research Kafer EI-Sheikh
Author(s) from ARC
External authors (outside ARC)
    محمد فريد السيد على جامعة كفر الشيخ
    محمد ابراهيم بسيونى جامعة كفر الشيخ
    احمد موسى دياب جامعة كفر الشيخ
Agris Categories Animal feeding
AGROVOC
TERMS		 Calves. Digestibility. Kochia. Lambs. Rumen digestion. Ruminants. Sheep. Water buffaloes.
Publication Type Journal
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