Evaluation of In vitro Gas Production and Digestibility of Wheat Straw Based Complete Feed Supplemented with Different Levels of Herbs in Rumen Liquor of Marwari Sheep

Abstract

In order to assess the effect of herbal feed additive at different levels in wheat straw based complete feed on rumen fermentation, in vitro trials were conducted by taking these herbs viz. Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Bhringraj (Eclipta alba) and Jiwanti (Leptadenia reticulata) in complete feed. The different herbs were incorporated in the complete feed @ 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5% level of the feed and designated as T₀, T₁, T₂, T₃, T₄ and T₅ treatment groups respectively. The data of in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) and in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) were recorded at 48 h and 72 h as well as total gas production (IVTGP) at 24 h for each group, respectively. The results indicated a linear increase (P < 0.01) in IVDMD and IVOMD at 48 h and 72 h incubation with the increase in the level of supplementation of Shatavari herb up to 4% level (T₄) and 3% level (T3) for Bhringraj, Brahmi and Jiwanti herb, respectively. The total gas production was higher in the treatments group incorporated with herb at different levels than control (T₀). The supplementation of Shatavari herb as feed additive beyond 4% level and Brahmi, Bhringraj and Jiwanti herb each beyond 3% level of incorporation did not have any beneficial effect on total gas production. The total gas production was significantly higher in treatment groups at 4% level in Shatavari and 3% level in Brahmi, Bhringraj and Jiwanti supplemented feeds, respectively. The results suggested that supplementation of Shatavari herb as feed additive at 4% level and Brahmi, Bhringraj and Jiwanti herb at 3% level of incorporation have beneficial effect on IVDMD, IVOMD and IVTGP.