Pre-mating Performance of Garut Ewes Fed by Sorghum-Indigofera Based Diet During the Acclimatization Period

Abstrak

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of sorghum-Indigofera forage-based feed on the pre-mating performance of Garut ewes. A total of 28 Garut ewes was divided into two groups of treatment so that each treatment consisted of 14 heads. The treatment of field grass (FG) as a control and the feed composition in the formula of 50% sorghum forage silage + 40% Indigofera hay + 10% rice bran (SI). The animals were distributed under a completely randomized design, and the data were analyzed using a t-test. The results showed that the dry matter intake (DMI) and nutrient digestibility values of FG were higher (p0.05) than SI. However, the impact on body weight gain, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and blood cholesterol level did not differ (p0.05). The average pre-mating bodyweight of Garut ewes for all treatments was the same number relatively, were 35 kg/head. BUN and blood cholesterol levels in the FG and SI treatments were 36.18±3.47 vs 35.27±4.23, and 66.13±5.56 vs 69.25±3.95 mg/dl, respectively. It can be concluded that SI feed had higher efficiency values and better readiness for the reproductive phase. Therefore, SI feed can be used as a substitute for field grass for the reproductive stage of Garut ewes.