STUDIES ON THE FEEDING VALUE OF GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA L. PULP FOR SHEEP

Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (QG) pulp is a by-product which remains after extracting the roots of the plant for pharmaceutical purposes. The feeding value of GG pulp for sheep was investigated in two experiments. The overall resuits from these experiments indicated that GQ pulp contained (all dry matter basis; DM) 3.35-8.90% crude protein, 36.0-43.3% crude fiber, 36.4-47.7% nitrogen-free extractives (NFE), 3.51-3.60% crude fat and 7.80-9.47% ash; total digestible nutrients (TDN) value, measured on 11 rams, varied from 17.2 to 50.6. Digestion coefficients were also variable in both experiments. Levels of Ca and Mg (experiment 2) were 1.80% and 3.92%, respectively, but P wees not detectable. The concentrations (micrograms per g DM) of K (200), Na (125), Fe (6.05), Mn (4.2), Zn (5.8) and Cu (5.0) in GG pulp were also measured. In the first experiment, rations containing 0, 15, 25 and 35% GG pulp were fed to 17-18 months old Mehraban and Ghezel ewes (n=7-8 per breed; n=15 per ration) for 80 days. Mean slaughter weight (P=0.056), total gain (P=0.0023) and gain:feed ratio (P=0.002) were lower at higher levels of GG pulp; however, mean feed intake did not differ amongst the experimental groups. Breed and ration interaction effects were not significant. The amount of cavity fats was lower, but empty stomach weight was greater for the sheep on GG pulp rations.