Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) legume grains as protein source in the ration of growing sheep

A growth trial of 120 days was conducted on 15 growing sheep to evaluate cowpea grains as an alternate protein source of groundnut cake (GNC). Animals were divided in three groups of five animals in each, and offered dry mixed grasses ( Cenchrus ciliaris , Sehima nervosum with small proportion of Chryosopogon fulvus and Dicanthium annulatum ) and concentrate mixtures to meet their nutrient requirement. In the concentrate mixture of G1 (control group), GNC was the sole source of protein, while in the G2 and G3 groups, 50 and 100% of GNC was replaced by cowpea grains on N basis. After 75 days of feeding, a metabolism trial (7 days) was conducted to determine the dry matter intake (DMI), nutrients utilization and N-balance. Rumen liquor and blood samples were collected to estimate the rumen and blood metabolites, respectively. For eating pattern, observations were recorded for three consecutive days. Change in body weight of animals was recorded at 15 days interval. CP and cell wall polysaccharide contents were higher in GNC than in cowpea grain. DMI (g kg −1 W 0.75 ) was higher ( P P P −1 ) was ( P > 0.05) higher in G3 (17.4 ± 1.21) than G2 (15.7 ± 0.80) and G1 (14.0 ± 0.60). Absorbed nitrogen (g day −1 ) was ( P −1 ) of diets in G3 (2.8 ± 0.77) was higher than G1 (2.2 ± 0.05) and G2 (2.5 ± 0.09) groups. TVFA and NH 3 –N concentrations were 143.2 ± 17.94, 137.5 ± 14.38 and 140.7 ± 9.97 meq/l and 18.2 ± 0.59, 19.6 ± 2.21 and 20.65 ± 1.52 mg/100 ml in G1, G2 and G3 groups, respectively. Total-N concentrations was significantly ( P P −1 and g kg −1 W 0.75 h −1 ) during first 4 h of eating was comparable between the dietary groups. Average body weight gain (g day −1 ) was ( P