Influence of Feeding Khejri (Prosopis cineraria) Leaves and Moth Fodder (Phaseolus aconitfolius) Alone or in Combination on Feed Intake, Nutrient Digestibility and Blood Parameters in Camel

Abstract

Twelve healthy Bikaneri dromedary camels (Av. age= 2-3 years; Av. BW= 369±7.2 kg) were randomally allotted to 3 groups of 4 animals each using completely randomized design. First group was fed dry chaffed moth (Phaseolus aconitifolius) fodder (MF) and the second group was fed dried khejri (Prosopis cineraria) leaves (KL) as sole feed ad lib. In the third group, both moth fodder and khejri leaves (MF+KL) were offered as free choice. Dry matter intake (kg/100 kg BW or kg/kg W0.75) was similar in camels fed moth fodder and combination of moth fodder and khejri leaves and significantly (P<0.05) higher compared to those fed khejri
leaves as sole feed. The digestibility of DM, OM and CP of khejri leaves (KL) was (P<0.05) lower compared to moth fodder and mixture of both (MF+KL) but digestibility of NDF and ADF was similar among the groups. Both serum glucose and urea values were lower (P<0.05) in group fed sole khejri leaves compared to those fed moth fodder or mixed feed (MF+KL). It was concluded that feeding of khejri leaves with moth chara was not beneficial due to its negative effects on nutrient intake, digestibility and serum biochemical parameters.