This study aimed to determine the effects of the dietary feeding of sesban (Sesbania sesban (L.) Merr.) and reed forage (Arundo donax L.) on nutrient digestibility, nitrogen retention, ruminal protozoa count, and rumen fermentation in sheep. Twelve Farafra rams (50 ± 0.25 kg, 2 ± 0.2 years) were allocated to three treatments. The control group was fed a diet containing 700 g concentrate mixture with fresh alfalfa ad libitum. In the second and third treatments, alfalfa was replaced with fresh sesban or reed forage ad libitum, respectively. Forage intake of sesban and alfalfa was higher (P < 0.05) than reed forage. Fiber digestibility was higher (P < 0.05) with reed compared to other treatments. Digestible crude protein of control and sesban treatments was higher (P < 0.05) than reed. Nitrogen intake, digestion and retention of the control and sesban treatments were higher (P < 0.05) than reed treatment. No differences were found among the treatments for ruminal pH, ammonia-N, total volatile fatty acids, and total protozoal count. In conclusion, the results of nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation and nitrogen from sesban and reed forage showed that alfalfa can be replaced with sesban or reed forage in the diet of sheep. Moreover, sesban and reed forage can be considered as sources of protein and energy for rams during the summer season.

Sesbania sesban (L.) Merr., reed forage, sheep, nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation

Published by University of Zagreb, Faculty of Agriculture, Zagreb, CROATIA
Sponsored by Ministry Science and Education of the Republic of Croatia