Performance of lambs fed expeller pressed and solvent extracted karanj (Pongamia pinnata) oil cake

In order to assess the growth and nutrient utilisation in lambs fed process ed karanj cake, fifteen apparently healthy non-descript growing male lambs (mean body weight 10.6 +/- 0.50 kg) were equally divided into three groups (1,2 and 3) following completely randomized design. Animals in group 1 were fed conventional concentrate mixture containing de-oiled groundnut cake (D GNC) as a major protein source, whereas, in groups 2 and 3, DGNC was replac ed at 50% level with expeller pressed karanj cake and solvent extracted kar anj cake, respectively. Oat hay was fed ad libitum as a sole roughage to al l animals. The experimental feeding was continued for a period of 98 days a nd a metabolism trial of 6 days duration was conducted after 45 days of exp erimental feeding. The digestibility (6) of dry matter, organic matter, cru de protein, total carbohydrate, neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre were comparable (P > 0.05) between groups 1 and 3, but were significa ntly (P < 0.05) lower in group 2. The digestibility of ether extract and he mi-cellulose was comparable (P > 0.05) among all the three groups. All the animals were on positive balances of nitrogen, calcium acid phosphorus in w hich nitrogen and calcium balances were significantly (P < 0.05) lower in g roup 2 as compared to groups 1 and 3, but the P balance was comparable amon g all the groups. The crude protein and digestible crude protein content of three diets was comparable (P > 0.05), however, total digestible nutrients content was significantly (P < 0.05) lower in the diet of group 2. The dry matter and crude protein intakes (g kg W-0.75) were similar among three gr oups bur the DCP and TDN intakes (g kg W-0.75) were significantly (P < 0.05 ) lower in group 2 as compared to groups 1 and 3, The average daily gain wa s also significantly (P < 0.05) lower in group 2 as compared to groups 1 an d 3, Moreover, feed conversion efficiency was similar among all the three g roups. Thus, it may be concluded that solvent extracted karanj cake (at 20% ) can be fed to the lambs without affecting the performance for a period of 98 days. However, feeding of expeller pressed karanj cake (24%) may not be recommended for growing lambs as it had adversely affected the intake and digestibility of nutrients. Vollings 2000 Published by Elsevier Science B.V .