STUDIES ON IN- SACCO EVALUATION OF A COMPLETE DIET TREATED WITH ZINC IN CATTLE

A study was undertaken to determine the effects of supplementation of Zn from inorganic zinc sulphate to a basal diet on in-sacco DM, OM, CP & NDF digestibility (%) in three male rumen fistulated cattle fed on rice straw and concentrate based total diet. The animals were offered total diet supplemented with 0 ppm Zn (T0) and 33 ppm Zn (T1) as per NRC, 2001 from inorganic source like zinc sulphate. After 21 days of feeding, feed samples were incubated for different time intervals at 2, 6, 18, 24 & 48 h to study the nutrient disappreance and rate of degradation at different hours. This study inferred that supplementation of Zn through feed can improve the digestibility and there will be more utilization of nutrient like crude protein, ether extract and organic matter. Trace mineral like Zn at per NRC (2001) recommendation was found more effective for the purpose than without supplementation in a diet.