Nutrient utilization and reproductive performance of flushing ewes grazing on Community rangeland

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of flushing of ewes with concentrate on their nutrient utilization and reproductive performance at farmer’s field. Twenty Malpura and Kheri ewes, 2–4 years old were randomly divided into 2 groups of 10 each (G1and G2). Ewes in both the groups were grazed on natural rangeland from 07.00 to 18.00 hr followed by night shelter in animal shed. G2 ewes were maintained on sole grazing while G1 ewes, in addition to grazing, received concentrate pellets @400 g/ day/head. The mean biomass yield of the community rangeland was 0.52 tonne DM/ha. The intakes of DM, DCP and ME were higher in G1 as compared to G2. The digestibility of DM, OM and CP were also higher in G1 as compared to G2. The body weights of flushed (G1) and non- flushed (G2) ewes differed. All the ewes conceived in flushed and non-flushed group with 100% conception rate, however, days of conception after flushing were lesser in flushed as compared to non-flushed ewes. The birth weight of lambs was higher in G1 than G2. It is concluded that the biomass yield of the community rangeland in semi-arid region of India is low and insufficient to meet the nutrient requirement of ewes prior to mating season. However, concentrate supplementation @400 g/day/ewe during this critical stage enhanced their plane of nutrition, reproductive performance, body condition and birth weights of lambs.