Page 33 - Effects of dried citrus pulp on nutrient intake, nitrogen balance and growth performance in Lohi lambs

Voluntary intake was measured during last 11 days. At the end of the experiment, it was
noted that with the inclusion of DCP in the diet there was a less intake and excretion of

nitrogen. A negative nitrogen balance was observed.

Ben-Ghedalia et al. (1989) studied the effect of DCP on nitrogen metabolism in
Merino rams. They selected four rams with 2 years of age and 60 kg of weight. Rumen of

the rams was cannulated. Rams were kept in metabolic cages. They were randomly
assigned to two treatments. In treatment one they were fed barley based concentrate while

in treatment two they were fed citrus pulp based concentrate. They reported an increased
intake of nitrogen with citrus pulp based concentrate. They also reported a higher

digestibility of nitrogen, which indicate higher retention in the body and positive nitrogen

balance.

Oni et al. (2008) conducted a study on the effect of DCP in replacement of brewers

dried grains on the nitrogen metabolism in dwarf goats. Sixteen goats were equally divided
into four groups. Control group had 88.5% brewers dried grains whereas, in other three

experimental groups, it was replaced with 25, 50 and 75% DCP. Enterolobium cyclocarpum

was used as a basal feed. Molasses, vitamin mineral premix, salt and urea were also used
in all diets. This study indicated that intake of nitrogen was maximum at 25% DCP. They

noticed a decreased nitrogen in 25%. Results revealed an increased nitrogen balance in
goats fed 25% of DCP.

Rihani et al. (1993) performed two trials to evaluate the effect of DCP on nitrogen

metabolism in sheep and Sardi lambs. In the First trial, four iso-nitrogenous and iso-caloric
diets were fed to four groups of sheep having ten sheep in each. First feed contained DCP

with ammoniation with urea, second ammoniation with ammonium hydroxide, third urea
without DCP and fourth supplementation with horse bean. While in second experiment,

same diets with same proportions were offered to Sardi lambs to observe nutrient intake.
Both experiments were 105 days long. At the end of experiment, they observed that

nitrogen intake was not significantly different. Similarly there was no difference in fecal

excretion of nitrogen while, they observed a less outgo of nitrogen in sheep and lambs fed
citrus pulp based diet as compared to others. The nitrogen retention in the body was similar

with horse bean and it was more than other treatments.

Bueno et al. (2002) carried out an experiment to evaluate the effect of DCP in

replacement of corn grain (concentrate energy source) and its effect on nitrogen balance in

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