Nutritional evaluation of new oats variety as fodder

Nutritional worth of new variety of green oats developed by Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, was assessed. The check (OL-9) and the new (OS-342) variety of oats were cultivated at different locations in the Punjab State for 3 consecutive years. The overall average green forage and DM yield of new variety was 14.0 and 21% higher than the check variety of oats. The chemical composition of both the varieties was comparable. The in vitro screening revealed that the net gas production and ME availability were higher in new than check variety of oats. Adult male buffaloes (8; 465.75 +/- 3.97 kg BW) divided into 2 equal groups were offered either check variety (OL-9) or new variety (OS-342) of green oats ad lib, supplemented with mineral mixture and common salt for 30 days. The daily DM intake and digestibility of nutrients were slightly higher in new variety than that of the check variety but the differences were nonsignificant. The NPN concentration in the rumen liquor of animals fed new oats variety was lower than those fed check variety, but reverse trend was observed with respect to TCA-N. The blood profile, urinary excretion of purine derivatives and the microbial protein synthesized in the rumen of animals offered check or new oats variety were statistically comparable. The faecal-N excretion was lower in animal fed new variety as compared to check variety resulting in higher CP digestibility in new oats variety. The total-N excretion was comparable in both the groups, resulting in comparable N-retention and apparent biological value. It was concluded that new oats variety (OS-342) had an edge over the check variety (OL-9) with respect to yield and quality.