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ANFT JANUARY 2012 ISSUES 01

ABSTRACT

Chae, B.J., Ingale, S.L., Kim, J.S., Kim, K.H., Sen, S., Lee, S.H., Khong, C., Kim, E.K. and Kwon, I.K. 2012. Effect of dietary supplementation of probiotics on performance, caecal microbiology and small intestinal morphology of broiler chickens. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 12: 1-12.An experiment was conducted to determine the effects of dietary supplementation of different probiotics (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bacillus subtilis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae) on growth performance, nutrient retention, caecal microbiology and intestinal morphology of broilers. Three hundred twenty day-old broiler chicks (Ross) were randomly allotted to 1 of 4 treatments on the basis of body weight in a randomized complete block design. Each treatment was comprised of 4 replicates with 20 chicks in each. Experimental diets were fed in 2 phases, starter (d 0 to 21) and finisher (d 22 to 35). Dietary treatments were basal diet without any probiotic (Control) and basal diet supplemented with 0.30% of Lactobacillus acidophilus (LA), Bacillus subtilis (BS) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC). Supplementation of LA, BS and SC to broilers diets improved (P<0.05) feed intake, BW gain and digestibility of CP and GE (d 21 and 35), DM (d 35) than broilers fed control diet. Moreover, birds in treatments LA, BS and SC showed better (P<0.05) overall FCR compared to control. At d 35 birds in treatments LA, BS and SC showed decrease (P<0.05) in caecal Clostridium and Coliform count than control. Villus height of duodenum and villus height:crypt depth ratio of ileum were increased (P<0.05) in treatments LA, BS and SC as compared to control. Result obtained in present study indicates that L.acidophilus, B. subtilis and S. cerviciae at 0.30% level of inclusion improved nutrient digestibility, caecal microbial balance and intestinal morphology of broilers.

Key words: Probiotics, Performance, Caecal microbiology, Intestinal morphology, Broilers.

*Corresponding author: ikkwon@kangwon.ac.kr

ABSTRACT

Beura, T.K., Panda, N., Mishra, P.K., Panigrahi, B., Panda, H.K. and Pati, P.K. 2012. Effect of Vitamin E and C on the growth and immunocompetence of coloured birds during Summer. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 12: 13-24.
The influence of vitamin E and/or vitamin C supplementation on growth, immunity, carcass traits and lymphoid organs of coloured chicks during summer was studied. Coloured broiler chicks (n=540) divided into 9 treatment groups were fed basal diet with supplementation of vitamin E (250 mg or 500 mg) and vitamin C (250 mg or 500 mg) either alone or in combinations from 0-56 days of age. The treatment-wise supplementation to the basal diet was, T1: control without supplementation, T2: E 250 mg, T3: E 500 mg, T4: C 250 mg, T5: C 500 mg, T6: E 250 mg+C 500 mg, T7: E 500 mg+C 250 mg, T8: E 250 mg+C 500 mg, T9: E 500 mg+C 500 mg/kg feed. The average highest temperature and relative humidity during the experimental period was 37.98°C and 87.9%, respectively. The growth rate, feed conversion ratio, humoral, cell mediated immunity and carcass characteristics were determined. Higher body weight and better FCR (P<0.05) were seen in groups supplemented with both the vitamins i.e. t6, t7, t8 and t9 than individual vitamin supplementated (t2, t3, t4 and t5) and control group; but no effect on feed intake was observed. better humoral immunity as shown by higher (p<0.05) haemagglutination inhibition titre against Newcastle Disease vaccine and against sheep red blood cells and higher cell mediated as reflected by increased (P<0.05) cutaneous basophilic hypersensitivity response was seen in T7 (E 500 mg+C 250 mg) and T8 (E 250 mg+C 500 mg), groups. From the results, it was concluded that supplementation of vitamin E @500 mg/kg and C @250 mg/kg in the diet of coloured broilers improved growth performance, increased both celluar and humoral immune response during summer stress.

Key words: Coloured birds, Growth, Immunity, Summer, Vitamin E, Vitamin C.

*Corresponding author: npandaouat@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

Dhayagude, R.S., Garg, A.K., Dass, R.S. and Bhadane, K.P. 2012. Nutrient utilization and growth performance of guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) exposed to different levels of dietary cadmium. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 12: 25-34.
The experiment was aimed to study the effects of dietary cadmium (Cd) concentration on growth and nutrient metabolism in guinea pigs. Forty-eight healthy guinea pigs (30-35d old, mean body weight 297.4±2.76 g) were divided into four dietary groups (n=12 per group) and fed diets added with 0, 1.5, 3.0 and 4.5 mg Cd/kg for 91 days including a metabolism trial which lasted for 4 days. Intake and digestibility of nutrients and balance of calcium and phosphorus were not affected by dietary Cd concentration. However, nitrogen balance decreased and feed conversion efficiency was deteriorated in all the Cd supplemented groups, with significantly (P<0.05) lower values in group fed diet having 4.5 mg cd />kg as compared with the control group. The average daily gain was also reduced in a linear manner as dietary cadmium content increased (r2=0.98), with significantly (P<0.05) lower values in the groups supplemented with 3.0 and 4.5 mg cd />kg diet as compared to control group. Results indicated that addition of Cd even at 3 mg/kg level (which is below the presently recommended safe level of 5 mg Cd/kg) in the diet had an adverse effect on growth performance, feed conversion efficiency and N metabolism in the guinea pigs. On the basis of these results it may be deduced that prolonged exposure of dietary Cd even at 3 mg/kg is not safe for the animals.

Key words: Cadmium, Feed efficiency, Growth, Guinea pigs, Nutrient utilization.

*Corresponding author: akgivri@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

Sing, K.W., Sofian-Azirun, M. and Tayyab, S. 2012. Protein analysis of Chrysomya megacephala maggot meal. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 12: 35-46.
Protein content of Chysomya megacephala maggot meal extract was determined using different colorimetric methods such as biuret method, dye-binding method and Lowry method. Protein estimation was performed after dissolution of maggot powder in 0.06 M sodium phosphate buffer (pH 7.0) both in the absence and the presence of 1% sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS). Alternatively, use of color reagent was made both before and after centrifugation of the dissolved mixture. Whereas dye-binding method could not be performed in presence of SDS due to its interference, both biuret method and Lowry method were employed using standard curves in presence of 1 % SDS. Two other methods, namely, Warburg- Christian method and semi-micro Kjeldahl method were also used to determine protein concentration. Both inclusion of SDS and addition of color reagents before centrifugation of the dissolved sample showed a significant increase in the percentage protein content compared to the results obtained under normal condition. A comparison of all these results suggested the use of biuret method and Lowry method under specific conditions as the substitute for semi-micro Kjeldahl method for protein estimation. The SDSpolyacryalmide gel electrophoresis of maggot meal extract showed the presence of both small and medium sized proteins ranging in molecular weights from 17 kDa to 83 kDa. Maggot meal powder was also found rich in essential amino acids as determined by amino acid analysis. Taken together, all these results suggested the suitability of C. megacephala maggot meal as a good protein source in animal feed.

Key words: Amino acid

*Corresponding author: saadtayyab2004@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

Chaji, M. and Mohammadabadi, T. 2011. Determination of rumen fungi growth on steam-treated sugarcane pith by quantitative competitive polymerase chain reaction. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 12: 47-53.
This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of high temperature-steam treatment (180- 210°C, 3 min) of sugarcane pith on rumen fungi growth using a quantitative competitive polymerase chain reaction (QC-PCR) assay. Rumen anaerobic fungi were grown in culture medium containing untreated or high temperature-steam treated sugarcane pith. Fungi growth was determined by quantitative competitive-PCR. The results showed that rumen anaerobic fungi growth was greater (P<0.05) in the medium containing steam-treated sugarcane pith compared to the untreated sugarcane pith (+0.6 vs – 0.3). results indicated that steam processing of sugarcane pith does not negatively affect on the growth of rumen fungi.

Key words: Steam, Sugarcane pith, Rumen fungi, Quantitative competitive polymerase chain reaction.

*Corresponding author: chaji@raminuni.ac.ir / morteza34312002@yahoo.co.uk

ABSTRACT

Zakaria, A., Yaakub, H., Radziah, O. and Alimon, A.R. 2012. Effect of bacteria inoculants on corn silage quality. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 12: 55-62.
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of bacterial inoculants on fermentation rate and quality of corn silage. There are five lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from corn silage; Lactobacillus buchneri, L. hilgardii, L. kefiri, L. oris and L. rhamnosus which were applied at ~107-108 cfu/g of fresh corn forage. The inoculated chopped corn forage was stored in approximately 12 kg-capacity polyester containers for 14, 21 and 28 days. The temperature, pH, nutrient composition and aerobic stability was determined. Inoculation LAB improved the fermentation characteristics, increased nutrient digestibility and improved aerobic stability of corn silages. The bacterial inoculants did not significantly (P>0.05) decreased pH values of the corn silages. Addition of bacterial inoculants to corn silages increased its crude protein content significantly (P<0.05) with time. however, adding bacterial inoculants also significantly (p<0.05) decreased the neutral detergent fiber content with time. After 21 days, the process of fermentation appeared to be complete for all treatments. Among the five lactic acid bacteria used, L. buchneri was identified as the best inoculants for ensiling of corn forage.

Key words: Inoculants, Corn forage, Fermentation, Lactic acid bacteria, Silage.

*Corresponding author: hali@agri.upm.edu.my

ABSTRACT

Rajendran, D. and Balakrishnan, V. 2012. Diet composition, biomass yield and mineral contents of vegetation in native tract of Mecheri sheep. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 12: 63-71.
The diet composition, biomass yield, preference index and mineral contents of vegetation in mountain, fallow and waste/roadside land were assessed in native tract of Mecheri sheep during South West monsoon (June–September) season. Biomass yield (g/m2 on DM) was significantly (P<0.01) higher in mountain (743.05) than in fallow land (107.16) and waste />roadside land (187.29). Botanical composition revealed that out of 31 herbage species in mountain land, Acacia planifrons constituted 23.27±6.02%; out of 12 herbage species in fallow land, Cyanodan dactylon constituted 43.28±3.48%; out of 11 herbage species in waste/roadside land, Tephrosia parpuria constituted 19.70±7.47%; and these three were the dominant species in the respective areas. The diet composition of Mecheri sheep consisted of 20, 12 and 10 out of 31, 12 and 11 herbage species in mountain, fallow and waste/roadside land, respectively. Preference index (percentage diet composition/percentage botanical composition) indicated that herbages in the waste/roadside land were more edible than fallow and/or mountain land. Mineral contents of major graze species in the diet composition of mountain as well as fallow land contained Ca, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn and Co above the critical level of 0.3%, and 50, 8, 30, 40 and 0.1 ppm, respectively but phosphorous was below the critical level of 0.25%. These observations indicates that to balance the phosphorous requirement, sheep that are grazed at mountain land or fallow land needs to be grazed at waste/roadside land at least on rotational basis or may be supplemented with area specific mineral mixture or concentrate feed.

Key words: Botanical composition, Biomass, Grazing land, Minerals, Preference index, Sheep.

*Corresponding author: rajnutri@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

Santra, A., Konar, S., Chatterjee, A. and Das, S.K. 2012. Effect of dietary sunflower oil on rumen protozoal population and fermentation characteristics in growing crossbred calves. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 12: 73-82.
A study was undertaken to investigate the effect of dietary sunflower oil supplementation on rumen protozoal population, fermentation characteristics and enzyme profile in growing calves. Fifteen growing Jersey male crossbred calves were divided in to three equal groups (G1, G2 and G3) of five each. These calves were fed individually under stall feeding on a mixed ration containing green maize fodder and concentrate mixture in 50:50 ratio for 110 days. Sunflower oil was supplemented along with concentrate mixture at 0, 2 and 4% of the daily DM intake for two consecutive days at seven days intervals to the calves of G1, G2 and G3 group, respectively. Daily DM intake and apparent nutrient digestibility were similar among the three groups. Lowest (P<0.01) rumen protozoal number (both holotrich and spirotrich) was observed in the calves of g3 group followed by g2 and g1 group. rumen ph and ammonia nitrogen concentration became lower (p<0.01) while TVFA and propionate production were higher in G2 and G3 calves. Further, the pH and ammonia nitrogen level were lower (P<0.01) whereas TVFA and propionate concentration were higher (P<0.01) in the rumen liquor of calves fed 4% (G3) than 2% (G2) sunflower oil. Activity of carboxymethyl cellulase, xylanase and β-glucosidase was not influenced by the dietary supplementation. The results of the study indicated that dietary sunflower oil supplementation drastically reduced the rumen protozoal population and increased ruminal propionate production.

Key words: Growth, Calves, Digestibility, Feed conversion efficiency, Sunflower oil.

*Corresponding author: santraashok@rediffmail.com

ABSTRACT

Saijpaul, S., Singh, P., and Sikka S.S. 2012. Quality assessment of mineral mixture and chelated minerals available in the market. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 12: 83-90.
Samples of 19 mineral mixtures and 6 chelated minerals were collected from the progressive dairy farmers and analysed. The range of DM, ash, acid insoluble ash (AIA), Mg, Mn, Zn, Fe, Cu, S, Ca and P were 93.69-99.8, 20.13-90.18, 0.85-23.35, 0.26-15.1, 0.01-0.25, 0.0-0.9, 0.0-2.69, 0.0-0.41, 0.19-1.98, 7.2-30.9 and 0.0-19.78%, respectively. As compared to the BIS specification for mineral mixture, all the samples had the required DM but contained 21.1% lower total ash and 94.7% higher AIA. The number of samples failing BIS specification for Mg, Mn, Zn, Fe and Cu were 57.9, 47.4, 47.4, 36.8 and 42.1%, respectively; whereas samples having lower Ca, P and S were 21.1, 63.2 and 73.7%, respectively. The price (Rs 40/kg to 350/kg) also did not relate to the mineral content or quality of the mineral mixture. In the 6 samples of chelated minerals, the range of Mn, Zn and Cu was 0.42- 3.68%, 1.46-5.08% and 0.36-2.0%, respectively, and all met the daily requirement at the recommended dose. However, wide variation was observed in the total ash and AIA content. The price ranged from Rs 140 to 700/kg which supplied several times higher chelated minerals in the suggested dose. It may be concluded that there is a need to monitor the quality of mineral mixtures available in the market due to their non-uniformity in the minerals and higher AIA content. The chelated minerals supply the specific minerals in the daily dose but may not be cost effective due to its exuberant price.

Key words: Quality, Mineral mixture, Feed supplement, Chelated minerals.

*Corresponding author: sksaijpaul@rediffmail.com

ABSTRACT

Dubey, M., Dutta, N., Banerjee, P.S., Pattanaik, A.K., Sharma, K. and Singh, M. 2012. Effect of condensed tannin supplementation through a tree leaves mixture on erythrocytic antioxidant status and gastrointestinal nematodes in kids. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 12: 91-102.
In order to assess the effect of condensed tannins (CT) through tanniferous tree leaves on erythrocytic antioxidant status and GI nematodes, indigenous kids (n=18) were randomly divided into 3 groups of 6 each and fed iso-nitrogenous diets to contain 0 (CT-0), 1.0 (CT-1) and 2.0 (CT-2)% CT through a dried and ground leaf meal mixture of Ficus infectoria, Psidium guajava and Ficus bengalensis. Blood-biochemical profile and erythrocytic antioxidant status was monitored in all the kids at 0, 40, 80 and 120d of feeding. Supplementation of CT upto 2.0% of diet for 120d showed a significant (P<0.001) improvement on the performance of kids. total bw gain and adg were higher (p<0.001) in both CT supplemented groups than control. Feed conversion ratio was higher (P<0.001) in CT-2 followed by CT-1 and CT-0, respectively. Haemoglobin, PCV, serum glucose, total protein were similar among the dietary treatments except for a reduction (P<0.01) in serum urea level in CT-fed kids. There was improvement (P<0.05) in erythrocytic antioxidant status n the CT supplemented groups evident from increased concentrations of superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione, catalase and total thiol groups concomitant to a reduction in lipid peroxidation as compared to the control. Feeding of CT containing diets up to 2.0% level significantly (P<0.05) decreased the faecal egg counts when compared with the control group. It may be concluded that a mixture of tree leaves (containing 1-2% CT) has the potential to improve antioxidant status with an apparent negative impact on GI nematodes in kids.

Key words: Antioxidant status, Condensed tannins, Growth, GI nematodes, Kids, Tree leaves.

*Corresponding author: dutta65@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

Swain, B.K., Naik, P.K., Chakurkar, E.B. and Singh, N.P. 2012. Effect of combined supplementation of probiotic and yeast on growth, carcass characteristics and economics of production in broiler chickens. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 12: 103-110.
An experiment was conducted to study the effect of combined supplementation of probiotic and yeast on growth, carcass traits, organ weights and economics of production in commercial broiler chickens from 0 to 6 weeks of age. Basal diets were formulated containing maize, soybean meal and rice polish with 22.8% CP and 2900 kcal ME/kg at starter phase (0-3 weeks) and 19.9% CP and 3000 kcal ME/kg at finisher phase (4-6 weeks). The broiler chicks were fed basal diet supplemented with Improval (mixture of probiotic and yeast) @ 0 (T0), 0.5 (T0.5), 1.0 (T1.0) and 1.5 (T1.5) g/kg diet. Growth and feed efficiency of broilers fed T1.0 diet were better (P<0.05) than those recorded on control diet. higher (p<0.05) dressing percent and breast yield were observed in chicks fed T1.0 diet supplemented with 1.0 g/kg supplement. The abdominal fat content was reduced (P<0.05) in the supplementated groups compared to control. The relative weights of liver, heart, spleen and bursa were higher in all the supplemented groups while that of the ceaca was reduced (P<0.05) in the birds fed T1.0 diet. Findings of the present study suggested that supplementation of probiotic and yeast mixture @ 1.0 g/kg diet was effective in improving performance and economics in broiler chickens.

Key words: Broiler chickens, Carcass characteristics, Economics, Growth, Probiotic, Yeast.

*Corresponding author: rbkswain@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

Nagi, P.R.S., Reddy, D.N., Nagalakshmi, D., Reddy, Y.R. and Raghunandan, T. 2011. Effect of particle size of paddy straw on physical characteristics and performance of lambs fed paddy straw based complete diets. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 12: 111-119.
Three complete diets were formulated and processed into mash using paddy (Oryza sativa) straw ground through 8, 12 and 16 mm sieve as sole source of roughage at 35% level and were compared with conventional diet (concentrate mixture and chopped jowar straw, fed separately). The four diets were fed to 32 growing Deccani lambs (3-4 months) divided into four equal groups. Incorporating 8 mm or 12 mm ground paddy straw in complete diets (8PS and 12PS, respectively) increased the bulk density by 56.06 and 10.81 per cent, respectively, compared to complete diet with 16 mm (16PS) paddy straw. The average particle size of paddy straw ground through 16, 12 and 8 mm sieve was 1995.3, 1445.4 and 1202.3 m, respectively. Complete diet 16PS had more coarse (60%) and less medium and fine (40%) particle compared to other two complete diets. Complete diet 8PS had only 30% coarse particle due to fine grinding of paddy straw. The modulus of fineness of complete diet increased from 3.34 to 4.80 as the size of screen increased from 8 to 16 mm. Similarly, the average particle size in complete diets increased from 912.1 to 1687.3 with increase in screen size from 8 to 16 mm. The ADG of lambs fed complete diets 8PS and 12PS was higher (P<0.01) compared to those fed conventional diet. The nutrient efficiency was higher (P<0.01) in complete diets compared to conventional diet. It was concluded that grinding of paddy straw with 8 mm or 12 mm sieve were optimum for inclusion in complete diet in order to obtain higher growth rate in lambs. Complete diet system was economical and resulted in higher performance compared to conventional system of feeding in Deccani sheep.

Key words: Bulk density, Growth, Lambs, Modulus of fineness, Nutrient intake, Particle size.

*Corresponding author: dnlakshmi@rediffmail.com

ABSTRACT

Behura, N.C., Dehuri, P.K., Mishra, S.K. and Mohapatra, A.K. 2012. Feeding value of detoxified simaruba (Simarouba glauca) oilcake in egg type growers. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 12: 121-126.
To find out the feeding value of detoxified simaruba (Simarouba glauca) oilcake in egg type growers, a feeding trial was conducted with 1750 grower chicks of 8 weeks of age, distributed in to seven dietary groups. Test diets T1, T2, T3, T4, T5 and T6 containing 0, 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5 and 15 percent NH3 treated and roasted simaruba oilcake (TSOC) were prepared and fed to the experimental chicks from 9 to 16 weeks of age. Weekly individual body weight and group-wise feed consumption of birds were recorded and feed conversion ratio (FCR) was calculated at the end. The 16th week body weight of T1, T2, T3, T4, T5 and T6 were 1113, 1111, 1107, 1105, 1025 and 905 g, respectively showing no significant difference among the groups. However, birds of T5 and T6 groups showed significantly (P<0.05) lower as compared to other groups. The FCR of T1, T2, T3, T4, T5 and T6 groups were 5.48, 5.78, 5.75, 5.83, 6.16 and 7.25, respectively. The profit was the highest in T4 group. The study revealed that TSOC could be fed to egg type growers up to a level of 10% without any adverse effect on the growth of the egg type growers.

Keywords: Ammoniation, Feeding value, Growers, Rosting, Simarouba glauca, Simaruba oil cake.

*Corresponding author: ncbehura@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

Naik, P.K., Swain, B.K., Chakurkar, E.B. and Singh, N.P. 2012. Assessment of potential animal and poultry feed resources in Goa. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 12: 127-133.
A study on the assessment of potential animal and poultry feed resources in Goa was made based on the extrapolation of secondary data from livestock census 2007 and land utilization and crop production pattern of last three consecutive years (2006-07, 2007-08 and 2008-09). Goa had ruminant livestock unit (RLU) of 69295. Goa had potential green forage availability of 128493 tonnes on dry matter (DM) basis including 61213 tonnes from North Goa and 67280 tonnes from South Goa. Similarly, Goa had potential crop residues availability of 84375 tonnes on DM basis including 50395 tonnes from North Goa and 33980 tonnes from South Goa. Annual potential concentrates availability of Goa was 8672 tonnes, out of which 5388 tonnes was from North Goa and 3284 tonnes was from South Goa. Total concentrates consumed annually by pigs and poultry population had been estimated as 36870 tonnes. Potential total DM availability (kg/RLU/day) was 9.874 including 8.362 in North Goa and 9.251 in South Goa against requirement of 10.5 kg/RLU/day. Thus, there was potential deficit of 0.626 kg DM/RLU/day in Goa including deficit of 2.138 kg DM/RLU/day in North Goa and 1.249 kg DM/RLU/day in South Goa. Thus, it could be concluded that there was a potential deficit of concentrate and roughages to fulfill the nutritional requirement of the livestock and poultry population in Goa.

Key words: Animal, Assessment, Feed, Goa, Livestock, Poultry.

*Corresponding author: pknaikicar@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

Fernandes, A.P., Wagh, A.J. and Kamble, D.K. 2012. Growth performance, nutrient digestibility and semen production in Pandharpuri buffalo bulls fed sprouted finger millet (Eleucine coracana) grain. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 12: 135-140.
Twelve Pandharpuri buffalo bulls were divided into two groups and fed for a period of 180d to assess the effect of dietary replacement of maize grain with finger millet. In treatment group, maize of the control group was replaced with 30 parts of sprouted finger millet grains. Animals were fed required quantity of maize as green and sorghum straw as dry fodder. The ADG was 432 and 440g in control and treatment group, respectively, with no (P>0.05) difference. Dry matter intake as well as intake of CP, DCP and TDN remained similar between the two groups. Significant (P<0.05) difference was observed in dm, ee and cf digestibility with values 54.68, 63.04 and 53.83%, and 53.24, 61.13 and 52.22% in treatment and control groups, respectively. the digestibility of cp (54.72 and 55.16%) and nfe (62.18 and 62.72%) however were similar for treatment and control groups, respectively. semen was collected twice a week in the morning and the volume was 2.28 and 2.98 ml per ejaculation with mass activity 1.77 and 2.29 in control and treatment groups, respectively which shown significant (p<0.05) difference. Better quality of semen in the treatment group was further reflected by high percent (60.67 vs. 53.30%) of creamy ejaculation. The study conducted inferred that sprouted finger millet can replace 75% of maize without any adverse effect on feed intake and weight gain and with added advantage of better digestibility and semen quality in buffalo bulls.

Key words: Buffalo bull, Nutrient digestibility, Sprouted grains.

*Corresponding author: kolhapurnpb@gmail.com