Effect of supplementation of dietary protected lipids on intake and nutrient utilization in Deccani lambs

Four complete isonitrogenous (crude protein 13%) rations with 0 (T-1), 5 (T-2), 10 (T-3) and 15 (T-4) per cent calcium soap from red palm oil (protected fat) were formulated and evaluated using four Deccani lambs (19.32 +/- 0.82 kg) in a completely randomized design at the end of a growth trial. The average daily dry matter intake (% body weight or g/kg W-0.75 per day) in lambs fed ration T-4 was significantly (p < 0.05) lower than in those fed rations T-1, T-2, and T-3. There was no significant difference in the digestibility of proximate principles and cell-wall constituents except for ether extract (EE) and cellulose. EE digestibility was significantly (p < 0.05) higher by 15.71, 14.65 and 11.56 percentage units, respectively in lambs fed rations T-2, T-3 and T-4 as compared to those fed ration T-1. Ration T-4 had significantly (p < 0.05) lower cellulose digestibility than rations T-1, T-2 and T-3. Nitrogen and phosphorous balances (g/day) were not significantly (p > 0.05) different among the four rations. Calcium balance (g/day) was higher by 0.65, 1.39 and 1.40, respectively, in lambs fed rations T-2 (p > 0.05) and T-3 and T-4 (p < 0.05) in comparison to those fed ration T-1. Digestible crude protein and total digestible nutrients content (g/kg DM) of rations were not significantly (p > 0.05) different among the four rations. It is concluded that calcium soap from red palm oil can be supplemented up to 10% level as a concentrated energy source in the rations of Deccani lambs without any adverse effect on dry matter intake and cellulose digestibility.