Feed consumption, nutrient utilization, faecal pellet characteristics and serum metabolite profile of captive spotted deer (Axis axis) fed diets containing different roughages

This study was undertaken to asses the feed consumption and nutrient utilization of captive spotted deer (Axis axis) fed different roughage sources containing oat (Avena sativa), berseem (Alexandrium trifolium) or combination of both the fodder. Fifteen spotted deer (66.93±2.73 kg) were randomly distributed into 3 equal groups. All the animals were fed 400 g of wheat bran. The roughage source was 10 kg oat in group I, 5 kg each of oat and berseem in group II, and 10 kg berseem in group III. After a 30-day adaptation period a digestion trial of 5-day collection period was conducted to estimate feed intake, nutrient digestibility and faecal pellet characteristics. Blood samples were collected on day 40, 45, 50, 55 and 60 of the experimental period. Dry matter and fibre contents were lower in berseem than in oat. Nitrogen content of berseem fodder was twice of oat fodder. Fibre and DM intakes were lower in berseem fed groups. Significant increase (P < 0.05) in digestibility of organic matter, crude protein and NDF was observed when a combination of oat and berseemwasdistributed, feeding berseem as a sole roughage source improved these parameters. Even though gross energy intake was lower in berseem group, it was compensated by improved (P < 0.05) energy utilization resulting into similar digestible and metabolizable energy intake in all the groups. Number of faecal pellets/defecation increased (P < 0.05) with increased level of berseem in diet. Serum level of glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, glutamate pyruvate transaminase and cholesterol was lower (P < 0.05) in group fed combination of oat and berseem. It was concluded that feeding oat and berseem in combination as roughage source could be a better strategy to feed cervids (spotted deer) rather than sole feeding of fodders.