Effect of dietary inclusion of Ficus infectoria leaves on the performance of lambs

Abstract

Effect of dietary inclusion of Ficus infectoria leaves as an organic protectant of proteins on the performance of lambs was ascertained. Lambs (n=24) were randomly divided into 4 groups and allocated into 4 dietary treatments CT- 0, CT-1.0, CT-1.5 and CT-2.0 contaning 0, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0% condensed tannins (CT), respectively, from dried and ground leaves of F: infectoria. Animals were offered a basal diet of wheat straw ad lib. With required amount of supplements to meet their requirements, CT up to 1.5% in the supplement did not interfere with the nutrient intake or digestibility, however, a negative effect was seen on DM, OM and ISDF digestibility at 2.0% CT level. Feeding of CT containing diets particularly at 1.5 and 2.0% levels significantly improved N utilization. DCP and TDN values of the composite diets were comparable, except for significantly lower TDN (%) in CT-2.0 than the control. Intake of DCP and TDN was comparable irrespective of dietary treatments, except for significantly lower intake of lambs under CT- 2.0 as compared to CT-1.0. Average daily gain and wool growth for 180 d were significantly increased by the supplementation of CT at 1.5% level. Blood-biochemical profile were similar among the dietary treatments except for a significant reduction in serum urea level in lambs fed 1.5 and 2.0% CT in the supplement. It may be concluded that CT from E infectoria leaves at 1.5% in supplement could be used as an organic protectant of proteins for improving the performance of lambs.