Nutrients digestibility, nitrogen balance and rumen fermentation parameters of sheep fed on Sesbania Sesban and Reed Plants

Abstract This study was conducted to investigate the effect of feeding sesbania sesban and reed forage on nutrient digestibility, nitrogen retained, ruminal protozoa count and rumen fermentation in sheep. Twelve mature native rams (50.25 kg body weight) were used in three digestibility trials The animals in group one were fed a basic diet consisting of a 700 g concentrate mixture with fresh Alfalfa ad libitum, which was kept as a control. The second group (T1) was fed 700 g concentrates with fresh Sesban ad libitum and the last one (T2) was fed 700 g concentrates with fresh Reed forage ad libitum. The rams were fed 60% of their daily requirements as a concentrate mixture based on NRC recommendations, while the rest was covered from green fodder. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in nutrient digestibility among groups. The digestibility of most nutrients in reed forage group tended to be lower than the control and sesban groups. However, the digestibility rate of NDF and ADF were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than those of control and sesban groups. The digestible crude protein (DCP) of the control and Sesbania groups was significantly (P˂0.05) higher than the reed one. However, the feeding value expressed as total digestible nutrient (TDN) and a starch value (SV) did not differ among groups. The nitrogen retained was improved (P < 0.05) of rams fed on alfalfa and Sesbania groups. Moreover, no significant differences were found among the treatments for ruminal pH, NH3-N, TVFA’s and total protozoa count. However, the ruminal NH3-N and TVFA’s concentrations tended to be lower in reed forage group than other groups. Concerning the effect of sampling time on the rumen liquor parameters, the mean values of pH were significantly (P < 0.05) higher before feeding time, then decreased at 4 hrs. after feeding. However, all of NH3-N and TVFA’s concentrations were lower before feeding and increased after feeding to reach the peak at 4 hrs. post feeding. In conclusion, the nutrient digestibility of sesban and reed forage were near to alfalfa or higher than it. Also, the rumen fermentation activates and the total protozoa count was improved by feeding sesban and reed forages to rams. Therefore, it can be recommended to use these forages as alternative sources of alfalfa in the diets of sheep.