Performance of lambs fed expeller pressed and solvent extracted karanj (Pongamia pinnata) oil cake

In order to assess the growth and nutrient utilisation in lambs fed processed karanj cake, fifteen apparently healthy non-descript growing male lambs (mean body weight 10.6±0.50 kg) were equally divided into three groups (1, 2 and 3) following completely randomized design. Animals in group 1 were fed conventional concentrate mixture containing de-oiled groundnut cake (DGNC) as a major protein source, whereas, in groups 2 and 3, DGNC was replaced at 50% level with expeller pressed karanj cake and solvent extracted karanj cake, respectively. Oat hay was fed ad libitum as a sole roughage to all animals. The experimental feeding was continued for a period of 98 days and a metabolism trial of 6 days duration was conducted after 45 days of experimental feeding. The digestibility (%) of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, total carbohydrate, neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre were comparable (P>0.05) between groups 1 and 3, but were significantly (P<0.05) lower in group 2. The digestibility of ether extract and hemi-cellulose was comparable (P>0.05) among all the three groups. All the animals were on positive balances of nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus in which nitrogen and calcium balances were significantly (P<0.05) lower in group 2 as compared to groups 1 and 3, but the P balance was comparable among all the groups. The crude protein and digestible crude protein content of three diets was comparable (P>0.05), however, total digestible nutrients content was significantly (P<0.05) lower in the diet of group 2. The dry matter and crude protein intakes (g kg W−0.75) were similar among three groups but the DCP and TDN intakes (g kg W−0.75) were significantly (P<0.05) lower in group 2 as compared to groups 1 and 3. The average daily gain was also significantly (P<0.05) lower in group 2 as compared to groups 1 and 3. Moreover, feed conversion efficiency was similar among all the three groups. Thus, it may be concluded that solvent extracted karanj cake (at 20%) can be fed to the lambs without affecting the performance for a period of 98 days. However, feeding of expeller pressed karanj cake (24%) may not be recommended for growing lambs as it had adversely affected the intake and digestibility of nutrients.