Effects of Mung Bean Haulms on Growth Performance, Feed Intake, Digestibility, and Nitrogen Balance in Damani Sheep
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Abstract
Introduction: Mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) is a protein-rich grain and an important short-duration legume crop widely cultivated in Pakistan. Mung bean haulms (MBH) can be used as a forage for livestock, particularly small ruminants. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of MBH on nutrient intake, digestibility, nitrogen balance, growth performance, and blood biochemical parameters in growing Damani lambs.
Methods and materials: Twelve healthy male Damani lambs, weighing 18-20 kg and aged 6-8 months, were randomly assigned to one of four dietary treatment groups in a randomized complete block design, with three lambs per group. The study consisted of a control group fed the basal diet (R1), and three treatment groups fed the basal diet supplemented with 33% MBH (R2), 66% MBH (R3), and 100% MBH (R4) for 90 days.
Results: The current result indicated that dry matter intake and crude protein intake increased linearly with MBH inclusion, reaching maximum values in R4 (955.4 g/d and 115.96 g/d, respectively). Apparent digestibility of neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber was significantly higher in R3 and R4 than in R1 and R2. Nitrogen retention was highest in R4 (7.5 g/d), accounting for 38.4% of intake, and lowest in R1. Lambs in R4 achieved the highest final body weight (38.92 kg), total body weight gain (20.90 kg), and average daily gain (232.2 g/d) compared to the control group. Hemoglobin, packed cell volume, red blood cell count, and blood glucose increased significantly with higher MBH levels, while blood urea nitrogen peaked in R3 compared to the control group.
Conclusion: Complete replacement of alfalfa with MBH (100%, R4) improved nutrient utilization, growth performance, and metabolic health, also significantly reducing feed costs.
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