Seasonal variability of palatability and nutrient intake in different age groups of range sheep

ABSTRACT

The study was designed to analyze the seasonal dynamics of the nutritive value of endemic plant species (Berberis lycium, Indigofera heterentha, Parrotiopsis jacquemontiana, Rosa macrophylla and Rosa webbiana) and composite pasture grasses in different age groups of sheep using double indicator method. Twenty Kashmir Merino sheep from the two age groups in each season of summer (June) and autumn (October) were selected and divided into Group I (about 4 months of age) and Group II (1–2 years of age) in a 2 × 2 factorial design. The metabolizable energy (ME) of plants and composite grasses range from 10.11 to 12.60 and 7.32 to 9.94 MJ/kg, respectively, across different seasons. The quality of plants and the composite grass samples, measured in terms of total digestible nutrients, ME, crude protein and fiber content deteriorated with the advancement of the season. Palatability, nutrient and mineral intake, D and relative feed quality values were better during the summer than the autumn season. ME intake in younger sheep (Group I) was deficient by 32.5% compared to maintenance requirements during the autumn season. It was found that adult sheep tend to optimize their energy requirements from pastures while younger sheep fail to do so.

Abbreviations: ADF: Acid Detergent Fiber; ADL: Acid Detergent Lignin; Ca: Calcium; CP: Crude Protein; D value: Digestible organic matter in dry matter; DCP: Digestible Crude Protein; DMI: Dry Matter Intake; EE: Ether Extract; ME: Metabolizable Energy; NDF: Neutral Detergent Fiber; OM: Organic Matter; P: Phosphorus; RFI: Relative Feed Index; TDN: Total Digestible Nutrients

KEYWORDS:

• Nutrient intake
• range sheep
• seasonal variation
• subalpine pastures

Acknowledgments

The authors are thankful to Dr Anzar Ahmad Khuroo, Senior Assistant Professor, Centre for Biodiversity & Taxonomy, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, who helped in the identification of the plant species.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.