Author(s): B Murali Mohan, Suryanarayana Mvan, Devasena B and Gangaraju

Abstract: A growth trial was conducted for 90 days with 18 Nellore brown ram lambs with average body weight of 15±0.37 kg which were randomly divided into three groups containing six animals in each group and were evaluated with/without supplementation of Spirulina platensis on growth performance, and carcass characteristics in a CRD model. To a basal diet acting as control (T₁) the Spirulina was supplemented at 1 g and 2 g/10 kg body weight to 2^nd and 3^rd groups to make them as T₂ and T_3, respectively. The animals were stall fed with the concentrate mixture and super napier green fodder. The initial and final body weights were found to be non-significant among treatments with a significant effect (p<0.01) on the weight gain, T₂ recording the highest weight gain followed by T₃ and T₁. Spirulina supplementation at 1 g/10 kg body weight showed a marked significant difference among ADG (g) and a gain of 148 g was recorded for T₂ followed by T₃ and T₁, ADG was 26.5% and 13.6 % higher in T₂ and T₃ as compared to T₁ in the present study. Feed efficiency was higher for T₂ as compared to T₁ and T₃ indicating that the efficiency in utilising the feed was efficient for Spirulina supplementation at 1 g/10 kg body weight. A significant increase (p<0.05) in ADFI (g/day) was recorded for T₂ group as compared to T₃ and T₁. None of the parameters like preslaughter weight, empty body weight, hot carcass weight, dressing % (PSW) and dressing % (EBW) were found to be significant among the treatments. The total feed cost/kg weight gain was significantly lower (p<0.05) for T₂ and it was 5.6 % and 19.5% lower as compared to T₁ and T₃ respectively. It was concluded that supplementation of Spirulina at 1 g/10 kg improved the performance of animal with positive growth rate. Owing to it’s high protein content and quality protein Spirulina can be added as a feed additive in the rations of sheep with improved efficiency.

DOI: 10.33545/26174693.2024.v8.i5Se.1198