Rasool et al., 1998. Asian-Aust. J. Anim. Sci., 11 (3): 272-276

Sheep and goats in Pakistan have not been able to produce to their potential which may primarily be attributed to underfeeding and malnutrition. Ranges have been depleted due to overgrazing and mismanagement and are not capable of supporting the existing small ruminant population. To overcome the shortage of good quality fodder and balanced feed supply, the alternatives such as cereal straws and other crop residues are being commonly used. Sunflower crop residues such as stalks and heads provide a good quality forage for livestock. These crop byproducts are rich in CP and low in crude fibre. Their inclusion in the diet of small ruminants at 20, 30 and 40% of the diet increased ( P<0.05) feed intake and weight gain. Daily feed intake was 1130, 1180 and 1750 g for sunflower crop residues, soyabean crop residues and wheat straw, respectively, when added at 20% of the diet. DM digestibility of sunflower, soyabean crop residues and wheat straw was also comparable. Best performance was observed when 20% sunflower crop residues were used.