Evaluation of Chemical Composition of Fifteen Commonly used Ruminants Feed Ingredients locally available in Murshidabad District, West Bengal

Abstract

Fifteen feed ingredients (five non-leguminous, two leguminous, four agricultural by-products, two oil cakes and two grains) were analyzed for their proximate principles (CP- crude protein, EE- ether extract and total ash) and fiber fractions (NDF- neutral detergent fiber, ADF-acid detergent fiber, hemicelluloses, cellulose and lignin) on dry matter (DM) basis. CP value was highest (43.12%) in ground nut cake (GNC) and lowest in wheat straw (2.81%) among fifteen feed ingredients. Fiber components especially NDF content was highest (79.03%) in wheat straw of agricultural by-product and lowest (19.71%) in wheat grains. Ether extract (EE) contents lowest (0.96%) in wheat straw and highest (9.22%) in mustard oil cakes (MOC) whereas total ash (TA) content were 19.28% (maximum) and 1.51% (minimum) in paddy straw and maize grain respectively. Similarly fiber (neutral detergent fiber; NDF and acid detergent fiber; ADF) content of wheat straw and wheat grain were 79.03% & 50.07% and 19.71% & 5.44%, respectively. Basing on higher CP and lower NDF content, oil cakes were found to be superior in terms of nutritional quality for ruminants. Evaluation of various feeds ingredients is helpful in balanced ration formulation for field ruminants and under farm conditions for better utilization of these commonly available feed resources.

Key Words: Chemical compositions, feed ingredients, ruminants