Effect of dietary supplementation of Rice dried distillers Grains (RDDGS) on blood profile in Nagavali Ram lambs

Abstract

The investigation assessed how different levels of rice dried distiller grains (RDDGS) in the diet affect the serum-biochemical profile of Nagavali ram lambs over a 90-day period. Twenty-four lambs, aged 4 - 6 months and weighing 10 - 12 kg, were randomly assigned to 4 groups, each containing six animals. The control group received a standard diet consisting of super Napier green fodder and a concentrate mixture formulated according to lamb requirements. Treatment diets included RDDGS at levels of 0% (T1), 50% (T2), 75% (T3), and 100% (T4), replacing soybean meal while maintaining equal nitrogen content. Serum biochemical parameters were evaluated at the beginning (Day 0) and end (Day 90) of the study. Results revealed no significant differences (p>0.05) in serum biochemical parameters among the groups, indicating that incorporating RDDGS up to 100% in lamb diets did not adversely affect the health of Nagavali ram lambs. These findings suggest that RDDGS can be used as a substitute for soybean meal in lamb diets without detrimental effects.