Growth performance, body condition score and body measurements of mecheri lambs fed with dhaincha and sunnhemp incorporated total mixed ration

A feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of incorporating non-conventional legume fodders, dhaincha (Sesbania aculeata) and sunnhemp (Crotalaria juncea), in total mixed ration (TMR) on growth performance, body condition score (BCS) and linear body measurements of Mecheri lambs. Twenty four weaned Mecheri lambs (3 - 4 months of age) were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments with six lambs each: T1 (20 dried hedge lucerne, control), T2 (20 dried dhaincha), T3 (20 dried sunnhemp) and T4 (10 dried dhaincha 10 dried sunnhemp). The experimental diets were iso-nitrogenous and iso-caloric and fed ad libitum for 120 days under intensive system of management. Growth parameters, feed intake, feed efficiency, BCS and body measurements were recorded at regular intervals. Final body weight (25.75 - 26.23 kg), total weight gain (11.10 - 11.82 kg), average daily gain (92.50 - 98.47 g) and feed efficiency did not differ significantly among treatments. Total feed intake was significantly higher (p