Effect of long term feeding of expeller pressed and solvent extracted karanj (Pongamia pinnata) seed cake on the performance of lambs

Fifteen healthy non-descript growing male lambs (10.6 ± 0.5 kg) were divided into three equal groups following completely randomized design and were fed a concentrate mixture containing de-oiled groundnut cake, expeller pressed karanj cake and solvent extracted karanj cake, respectively, in groups 1–3. The digestibility of dry matter, organic matter and ether extract was comparable (P>0.05) among three groups. Digestibility of crude protein and neutral detergent fiber was significantly (P<0.05) lower in group 2 than group 1. However, digestibility of acid detergent fiber and total carbohydrates was significantly (P<0.05) lower in groups 2 and 3. All the animals were on positive balance of nitrogen (N), which was significantly (P<0.05) lower in groups 2 and 3. The intake of crude protein and total digestible nutrients (g/kg W0.75) was significantly lower in groups 2 and 3 as compared to group 1. The daily gain (g) from 14th to 34th weeks was significantly (P<0.05) lower in groups 2 and 3 as compared to group 1. The pH and concentration of ammonia-N, total-N and trichloroacetic acid precipitable-N in the rumen liquor was similar among three groups, but the concentration of total volatile fatty acids in strained rumen liquor was significantly (P<0.05) lower in groups 2 and 3. Serum glutamic oxalo-acetic transaminase (P<0.05), lactate dehydrogenase (P<0.05) and acetylcholine esterage (P<0.01) activities were significantly different among three groups. The fasted live weight (P<0.01) and hot carcass weight (P<0.05) were significantly lower in group 2 as compared to groups 1 and 3, however, weight of skin, head and hooves did not differ significantly among three groups. The radiographic appearance of radius of sheep fed EKC and SKC revealed thinner and less dense cortices and widened medullary cavity. No gross pathological lesions could be seen in vital organs among three groups but spermatogenesis was affected. Long term feeding of expeller pressed and solvent extracted karanj cake revealed deleterious effects on the performance of lambs.