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Article

Effect of Cotton Gin Trash Supplementation as Unconventional Feedstuff on Feed Intake and Production Characteristics of Mecheri Sheep of India

by
Sri Balaji Nagarajan
1,
Subramaniam Ramakrishnan
2,
Jaganathan Muralidharan
3,
Palanisamy Vasan
4,
Karuppusamy Sivakumar
5 and
Aranganoor Kannan Thiruvenkadan
2,*
1
Veterinary College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Namakkal 637002, India
2
Veterinary College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Salem 636112, India
3
Mecheri Sheep Research Station, Salem 636451, India
4
Veterinary College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Theni 625534, India
5
Faculty of Food and Agriculture, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine 999183, Trinidad and Tobago
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Sustainability 2023, 15(13), 10500; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151310500
Submission received: 18 May 2023 / Revised: 17 June 2023 / Accepted: 26 June 2023 / Published: 4 July 2023
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Science and Sustainable Agriculture)
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Abstract

:
This study investigated the effects of feeding cotton gin trash (CGT) to Mecheri ram lambs, as an alternate diet, on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality. A growth performance trial was conducted with thirty-two weaned Mecheri ram lambs with an average body weight of 12.64 ± 0.74 kg, which were assigned to four groups (n = eight animals in each group). The diet’s roughage part was replaced by CGT at percentages of 0% (T1), 25% (T2), 50% (T3), and 75% (T4). The growth trial lasted six months (180 days) from weaning lambs at 3–4 months until 9 months for marketing. All the animals were fed on a dry matter requirement basis at 4% of their body weight. The study revealed that the lambs fed with 50 (T3) and 75 (T4) % inclusion levels of CGT showed significantly (p < 0.01) higher total body weight gain than the T1 and T2 groups. The average daily gain of lambs in T3 (99.24 g) and T4 (105.51 g) were significantly (p < 0.01) higher than T1 (80.77 g) and T2 (83.61 g) groups. Throughout the study period, there was no statistically significant (p > 0.05) difference in the average Dry Matter Intake (DMI) (g) between the groups; however, the lambs in T4 demonstrated higher feed efficiency (7.4) than the T1 (9.3) group. The slaughter studies revealed that the lambs in the T4 followed by the T3 groups registered significantly (p < 0.01) higher hot carcass weight, dressing percentage, and meat: bone ratio than T2 and T1 group animals. The T3 and T4 groups had significantly (p < 0.05) higher weights of the liver, spleen, head, stomach, and empty intestines when compared to T1 and T2 groups; however, there was no significant (p > 0.05) difference in the weights of edible and inedible offals. In addition, there were no significant variations (p > 0.05) in pH, WHC, shear force value, sensory characteristics, and proximate composition of meat among treatment groups. The SFA levels in the T3, T4, and T2 groups were substantially (p < 0.01) greater than in the control group (T1). In contrast, the proportion of MUFA in the T1 group was significantly (p < 0.05) greater than in the T3 and T4 treatment groups. There was no significant difference in PUFA or the PUFA/SFA ratio between the treatment groups. In accordance with current research findings, the CGT can be added up to 75% of the roughage component in sheep feed as an effective unconventional supplementation, as it improves body weight, feed efficiency, and carcass characteristics in Mecheri ram lambs.

1. Introduction

India has the largest population of livestock in the world while having only 2.29% of the global land area. This puts a tremendous burden on the availability of land, water, and food resources. There is a severe shortage of feeds and fodder for livestock as a result of the growth of both the animal and human populations and the reduction of arable land, which is made worse by natural disasters such as floods and droughts. According to statistics, there is a shortfall of 11.24% for green fodder, 23.4% for dry fodder, and 28.9% for concentrates over the entire country. As a result, there is a supply–demand mismatch for feed, which is having a counterproductive effect on livestock output [1,2].
The use of unconventional feed resources (UCFR) in livestock nutrition plans is increasing every day as a result of the limited availability of animal feeds, which is crucial for bridging the supply-demand gap. UCFR usually contain a variety of feeds made from perennially grown crops as well as feeds with both animal and industrial origins. The main sources of these feeds are by-products from forestry and agriculture. In general, the by-products are generally less expensive and allow farmers to save money by using a less expensive by-product than conventional feedstuffs and can be included as animal feed as long as they support acceptable animal performance [3,4].
Cotton, a pure cellulose staple fibre derived from the blossom of the cotton plant (Gossypium sp.), is the natural fibre most used by humans [5]. The fibres that develop around the cotton seed are contained in the cotton boll. After the cotton is harvested, the fibres have to be separated from the seeds using a process called “ginning,” and then they are packaged into bales for transport and usage in subsequent industries (such as spinning) [6]. Cotton gin trash (CGT) is the waste generated during the cotton cleaning phases of the ginning process. Cotton seeds, on the other hand, are extracted after ginning when the fibres are separated [7]. The CGT is a complex blend of woody cotton boll fragments, stalks, swirled cotton fibre leftovers, mulched leaves, soil, and dust particles [8]. The CGT is mostly disposed of by spreading it on the ground, composting it, feeding it to livestock, utilising landfill disposal methods, incineration, conversion of energy, creating pellets for fuel in heat stoves, construction materials and insulation [9]. The CGT has the potential to be used in livestock feed as an alternative protein, fat, and fibre source [10], and it is being used to meet the energy and protein requirements of sheep [11]. Although CGT is low in protein and energy, it is a good source of fibre and has the potential to be a more cost-effective solution for sheep farmers than traditional roughages [12]. The nutritional makeup of CGT, on the other hand, varies greatly [13].
The Mecheri sheep are medium-sized animals with compact bodies and short hairs. They are primarily raised for mutton and have a greater dressing percentage and good skin quality. As one of the well-adapted breeds, raising Mecheri sheep is becoming more popular among farmers, particularly young entrepreneurs starting in agriculture and associated areas [14]. In Mecheri sheep breeding tracts (particularly in Karur and Tiruppur districts of Tamil Nadu, India), farmers feed Mecheri sheep with unconventional feed such as CGT as a roughage supplement mainly during forage shortages in the summer months. Since there is an abundant availability of CGT due to a greater number of textile industries in the aforesaid districts, CGT is being utilized rampantly by sheep farmers without scientific validation. Considering the above facts, the present study aimed to assess the effect of CGT supplementation as a roughage source on the growth performance of Mecheri lambs and replacing it as a UCFR in sheep feeding practices. This research will be beneficial for determining the acceptable amount of supplementation for improved profitability and efficient use of leftover unconventional feed for sheep rearing practises wherever it is easily available in the locality.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Description of the Study Area

The Mecheri Sheep Research Station, Pottaneri, Salem district, Tamil Nadu State in India, which is situated at a longitude of 77°56′ E and latitude of 11°45′ N, is where this study was carried out. The weather varies from semi-arid to sub-humid and droughts happen frequently. The average maximum and lowest temperatures are 34.3 °C and 21.9 °C, respectively, with an annual rainfall of roughly 894 mm.

2.2. Experimental Animals

A total of thirty-two weaned Mecheri ram lambs at 3–4 months age, with an average body weight of 12.64 ± 0.74 kg, were selected and assigned to four groups (T1, T2, T3, and T4) with eight animals in each group. In T1, T2, T3, and T4 groups, the roughage portion (sorghum stover) of the diet was replaced with CGT at 0, 25, 50, and 75%, respectively. In all four treatment groups, the basal diet used for the experiment was based on a 60:40 roughage: concentrate ratio. All four groups were raised using an intensive management approach, and their individual body weights were fed at 4% of their respective dry matter requirements (Figure 1 and Figure 2).

2.3. Experimental Diet

The chemical composition (%) of sorghum stover, CGT, and concentrate mixture used in the experimental diet is presented in Table 1. The sorghum stover, CGT, and concentrate feed were analysed for dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), ether extract, crude fibre, calcium, and phosphorus [15], and the total ash as well as acid insoluble ash were estimated using standard procedures [16,17]; the results were expressed as a percentage on a dry matter basis. The fibre fractions in CGT samples were analysed using a prescribed procedure [18]. The fatty acid composition in the experimental diet was estimated through lipid extraction [19] and the profile was evaluated through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry following a conventional procedure [20]. In CGT, the percentage of important fatty acids viz., Myristic (c14:0), Palmitic (c16:0), Stearic (c18:0), Oleic (c18:1), Linoleic (c18:2), Linolenic (c18:3), Arachidic (c20:4), Behenic (c22:0), EPA (c22:5), DHA (c22:6), Palmitoleic (c16:1), and others were 1.71, 29.57, 8.66, 23.00, 14.87, 0.97, 0.44, 5.50, 1.25, 1.80, 1.58, and 9.8%, respectively. The gossypol level in the CGT samples were estimated using the RP-UHPLC-PDA method [21] before the commencement of trial. The treatment diets were balanced based on the nutrient requirements of sheep, ICAR [22].
The components and chemical make-up of the experimental diets administered to Mecheri ram lambs that included various amounts of CGT are presented in Table 2.

2.4. Experimental Procedure

In all the four groups, the animals were given an adaptation period of 15 days before the commencement of the trial. The experimental animals in each group were housed separately with a partition made by chain links. The feeder and water trough were also given separately for each animal so that feed intake and leftovers for each animal could be measured accurately. Animals were fed three times a day (morning, afternoon, and evening) and fresh drinking water was always made available in the water trough. The CGT was fed according to the group allocation, and each time it was thoroughly cleaned and any extraneous particles were removed before feeding. To avoid dusting, the CGT was doused with water just before being offered to the experimental animals. From weaning to the 180th day, the animals were weighed individually using an electronic weighing scale at biweekly intervals before administering feed and water in the morning. The average daily gain, dry matter intake, and feed efficiency were also estimated.

2.5. Slaughter Studies

At the end of nine months of age, six lambs from each group with a total of 24 lambs were selected randomly and slaughtered to assess the effect of CGT feeding on the carcass characteristics. Prior to slaughtering, all 24 animals were given free access to water but were not given feed for 12 h. The animals were slaughtered with principles of the declaration of Helsinki and the stripping, legging, dressing, and evisceration protocols were performed by adopting the standard procedure [23]. The pre-slaughter weight (PSW), carcass length, dressing percentage, and other carcass parameters were collected and the dressing percentage was computed by subtracting the hot carcass weight from PSW and was expressed as a percentage of PSW. The area of the Longissimus dorsi muscle was measured with the help of parchment paper and the Bureau of Indian Standard [24] method was followed in cutting wholesale cut parts.

2.6. Meat Quality

2.6.1. Physicochemical and Sensory Properties

The pH of sheep meat was determined by adopting the standard method [25] and the water holding capacity (WHC) of fresh meat samples was assessed by adopting the filter paper press method [26]. In addition, the shear force value was taken by subjecting a 1 cm × 1 cm thick meat sample to Warner Bratzler Shear (Stable Micro System Ltd., TA HD plus, Vienna Court, Lammas Road, Godalming, Surrey GU7 1YL, UK) and taking the average of three values. The Longissimus dorsi muscle was cooked properly, the meat samples were served to technically sound taste panel members with a score card with a nine-point descending scale to assess the flavour, juiciness, and tenderness. Finally, the overall acceptability was assessed by calculating the average of the flavour, juiciness, and tenderness given by the taste panel members.

2.6.2. Proximate Composition and Fatty Acid Analysis

The proximate composition, such as moisture, protein and fat, of the Longissimus dorsi muscle was estimated using the standard procedure [15]. Furthermore, the total ash was calculated [16] and the results were reported as a percentage of dry matter. In the Longissimus dorsi muscle, fatty acids such as myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, arachidic acid, behenic acid, epa, dha, and palmitoleic acid were measured. The meat was frozen for 12 h at 5 °C before lipid extraction [19] and the fatty acid composition in the Longissimus dorsi muscle was estimated using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry following a conventional procedure [20].

2.7. Statistical Analysis

The obtained data were compiled and statistically analysed as per Snedecor and Cochran [27]. The differences between experimental treatments were tested with the analysis of variance using the General Linear Model (GLM) procedures of SPSS software version 17.0 [28] with a completely randomised design. The statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05 and the Tukey test was used to detect and describe treatments that differ from one another.

3. Results

3.1. Chemical Composition of Dietary Treatments

The results indicated (Table 2) that the dry mater and crude fibre % were higher in T1 followed by T2, T3, and T4 experimental groups, respectively. Conversely, the T4 group had the highest levels of crude protein, NDF, ADF, ether extract, gross energy (MJ/kg), total ash, and calcium %, followed by the T3, T2, and T1 groups. The T1 group had the highest percentage of phosphorus (0.79), followed by the T2, T3, and T4 experimental groups. The estimated gossypol level ranged from 0.658 ± 0.22 to 1.970 ± 1.17 ppm. The fatty acid study revealed that the myristic, stearic acid, and palmitic acid in the T4 group was higher followed by T3, T2, and T1 groups, respectively. However, the levels of oleic, linoleic, linolenic, arachidic and behenic acids were higher in the T1 group, followed by T2, T3, and T4 groups, respectively. The EPA and DHA levels were higher in the T4 group when compared to T3, T2, and T1 groups. The lambs were thoroughly monitored during the trial period, and no health problems associated with treatment diets were noted.

3.2. Dry Matter Intake and Growth Performance

During the whole 180-day trial period, the mean dry matter consumed by the animals in the T1, T2, T3, and T4 groups was 734.08, 731.17, 759.64, and 766.86 g/day, respectively (Table 3). The mean DMI (g/day) of lambs did not significantly differ (p > 0.05) among different groups. However, the lambs fed with 50 and 75% CGT (T3 and T4) had a significantly (p < 0.05) higher body weight (30.48 and 31.63 kg, respectively) than that of the T1 group (27.18 kg).
The total weight gain in 180 days of trial period from the initial body weight were 14.54, 15.05, 17.86, and 18.99 kg in T1, T2, T3, and T4 groups, respectively. It showed that T4 and T3 had significantly (p < 0.01) higher total body weight gain (kg) than T2 and T1 treatment groups. The ADG of lambs in T4 and T3 were 105.51 g and 99.24 g, respectively and it was significantly (p < 0.01) higher than in T2 (83.61 g) and T1 (80.77 g) groups. The T1, T2, T3, and T4 groups had an overall feed efficiency of 9.30, 8.96, 7.74, and 7.40 kg/kg growth, respectively, and there was a significant (p < 0.05) difference in feed efficiency between the T4 and T1 groups alone.

3.3. Carcass Characteristics

The carcass characteristics of Mecheri lambs, as influenced by CGT feeding at different levels, are presented in Table 4. The lambs in the T4 group showed significantly (p < 0.05) higher pre-slaughter weight than T2 and T1 groups but it was not significantly (p > 0.05) different from that of the T3 group. The hot carcass weight (kg) of lambs in T4 and T3 treatment groups was significantly (p < 0.01) higher than in T2 and T1 groups. When compared to the T2 and T1 groups, the lambs in the T4 group had a substantially (p < 0.01) greater dressing percentage (50.78%) but it was not significantly (p > 0.05) different from that of the T3 (49.37%) group. Similarly, the meat: bone ratio in the T4 group was considerably (p < 0.01) larger than in the T2 and T1 groups and the T4 and T3 groups had significantly (p < 0.01) larger loin eye area (cm2) than T2 and T1 groups. Caudal fat was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the T4 group than in the T2 group, but it was not statistically (p > 0.05) different from the T3 and T1 groups. The weight of edible offals, such as the liver and spleen, was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the T4 group than in the T1 group. The weight (kg) of inedible offals, such as the head and stomach with the intestines empty, was considerably (p < 0.05) larger in lambs from the T4 treatment group than in lambs from the T2 and T1 treatment groups, but was not statistically (p > 0.05) different from the T3 treatment group. It was discovered that lambs in the T4 group produced more loin yield than did the T2 and T1 groups but this was not significantly (p > 0.05) different from the T3 group. The lambs in T4 and T3 groups showed a significantly (p < 0.05) higher leg percentage than the T2 and T1 groups.

3.4. Meat Quality

3.4.1. The Physicochemical and Sensory Characteristics

No significant alterations (p > 0.05) were seen between treatment groups in terms of the Longissimus dorsi muscle’s physicochemical and sensory properties (Table 5), including pH, water holding capacity (WHC)%, and shear force value (kg/cm2). Similar to this, there was no significant change (p > 0.05) in the sensory qualities of the Longissimus dorsi muscle in Mecheri ram lambs fed with various amounts of CGT, including appearance, flavour, juiciness, tenderness, and overall acceptability.

3.4.2. The Proximate and Fatty Acid Composition

The proximate and fatty acid composition indicated (Table 6) that the moisture, protein, fat, and total ash of Longissimus dorsi muscle in Mecheri ram lambs were not significantly (p > 0.05) different among treatment groups. The myristic acid level was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in T2 and T3 treatment groups when compared to T1 but there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) between T1 and T4 groups. The palmitic acid was higher in T2, T3, and T4 groups than in the control group but there were no significant differences (p > 0.05) among the groups. There was a significant difference (p < 0.05) in oleic acid level between treatment groups. The percent EPA (c22:5) in the T2 group was substantially (p < 0.05) greater than in T3 and T4 groups but not significantly (p > 0.05) different from that of the T1 group. Furthermore, SFA levels in the T3, T4, and T2 groups were substantially (p < 0.01) greater than in the control group. In contrast, the proportion of MUFA in the T1 group was significantly (p < 0.05) greater than in the T3 and T4 treatment groups. There was no significant difference in PUFA or the PUFA/SFA ratio between the treatment groups.

4. Discussion

4.1. Chemical Composition of Dietary Treatments

The crude protein analysis revealed a wider variation among treatments and is in accordance with earlier studies [12,29,30]. Similarly, the NDF, ADF, ether extract, gross energy (MJ/kg), total ash, acid insoluble ash, and calcium % observed in different groups were in line with earlier studies [13,31,32]. The gossypol level observed in CGT samples of the present study was very low and it is in consonance with a previous report [33]. Similarly, because it only includes a small percentage of immature seeds, gossypol did not appear to be a cause for concern in CGT [34]. Furthermore, ruminants are less sensitive because they can detoxify free gossypol in the rumen by binding it to soluble proteins [35].

4.2. Dry Matter Intake

The current study on supplementation with different levels of CGT revealed that the GGT treatments increased the dry matter intake but did not significantly affect the average dry matter intake (g/day) of lambs during the 180-day trial period; this agreed with an earlier report [36] in which they stated that the increased levels of CGT boosted feed consumption due to its palatability. It is also supported by another study [37] which found that increasing peNDF (physically effective fibre) in high grain diets can increase dry matter intake.

4.3. Growth Performance Characteristics

On the 180th day of the trial period, the overall weight gain in the T1, T2, T3, and T4 groups was 14.54, 15.05, 17.86, and 18.99 kg, respectively. It was found that lambs provided 75 and 50% CGT in roughage had considerably higher total body weight gain than lambs fed with 25 and 0% CGT. Similar to the current results, feeding CGT at 10 and 20% inclusion levels in the total diet improved performance in Shugor desert lambs [36], with weight gains of 7.78 and 9.98 kg in the 6 weeks of the feeding trial, and the weight gain may be attributable to a higher feed intake with rising CGT level due to its palatability. The ADG of lambs increased as the degree of CGT increased in the T2 (83.61 g/day), T3 (99.24 g/day), and T4 (105.51 g/day) groups and several authors have documented [36,38,39] an increase in the ADG of lambs fed CGT at higher levels. In contrast, ADGs of 163, 182, 186, and 138 g/day in fattening at 0, 25, 40, and 55% in desert lambs fed CGT were reported [40] and it was concluded that the ADG tended to be higher for lambs fed diets containing CGT at levels lower than 55% and that it could be used to replace up to 40% of a conventional concentrate lamb fattening diet without adverse effects on performance or nutrient utilisation. In the current study, the maximum inclusion level of CGT was only 45% in the total ration in the T4 group vis-à-vis 75% replacement of CGT in the roughage portion and a similar good result was found for ADG. It has been found that CGT may be used efficiently as a source of fibre, fat, and protein without negatively impacting growth performance [12]. Furthermore, increased crude protein and gross energy levels in T3 and T4 experimental diets may be ascribed to higher inclusion levels of CGT. In the current study, lambs exhibited improved feed efficiency with increasing levels of CGT at 25, 50, and 75% roughage proportion, and earlier studies [36,40] found a similar higher feed efficiency in desert lambs fed CGT at different levels. The CGT with a larger particle size helps to maintain a fibre mat in the rumen, which allows feed retention time to increase, ultimately increasing the digestion of feed in the rumen [41]; this could be the reason for better digestibility and nutrient utilisation, which resulted in a better feed efficiency with a 7.40 and 7.74 kg/kg gain in T4 and T3 groups in comparison to lambs in T2 (8.96 kg/kg gain) and T1 (9.3 kg/kg gain) groups.

4.4. Carcass Characteristics

According to the results of the current investigation, lambs given 50 and 75 percent CGT of the roughage potion displayed improved carcass weight and dressing percentage compared to the control group. The dressing percentage in the current study was similar to that noticed in lambs of several sheep breeds, viz., Assaf lambs (50.6%) [42], Zandi lambs (50.6%) [43], and cross-bred lambs (50%) [44]. Similar to this, steers [12] consuming the CGT-based diet had heavier hot carcass weights (396 kg) and higher dressing percentages (62.7%) than steers ingesting the control diet without CGT (382 kg and 62.2%).
A limited amount of research on the influence of CGT feeding on carcass characteristics in lambs has been published and the dressing percentage tested produced higher outcomes (50.78%) than prior investigations [45,46], which revealed dressing percentages of 46.52% and 46.18% in Mecheri lambs across various feeding experiments. The hot carcass weight (kg) and dressing percentage increased with the increasing pre-slaughter weight of treatment groups fed with higher CGT incorporation levels in the roughage portion of the feed (25, 50, and 75%). Similarly, carcass length, meat-to-bone ratio, and the loin eye area (cm2) found in the current study were higher than the earlier results observed in Mecheri lambs [45,46] as well as in the Nellore cross-bred lambs of India [47]. It showed that the experimental diets for the T4 and T3 groups had more crude protein than the T1 and T2 treatment groups, which may have contributed to these higher outcomes. Similar higher outcomes in Assaf lambs fed with a higher crude protein level in the feed were also reported [42].
The weights of the liver, spleen, head, and stomach with empty intestines (kg) in the T4 and T3 groups were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than in the other groups, and the findings were close to the range considered to be conventional for Mecheri lambs and consistent with a previous study [46], and they observed higher weights of liver, stomach with empty intestines, and heads in Mecheri lambs fed with 1.5 percent concentrate supplementation on body weight. Furthermore, these results were equivalent to those reported in Zandi lambs offered a higher amount of cotton seed [43]. In terms of the percentage of wholesale cuts between the fore and hind quarters, there was no noticeable difference between treatment groups, and similar findings were observed in Mecheri [45] and Nellore cross-bred lambs [47].

4.5. Meat Quality

4.5.1. The Physicochemical and Sensory Characteristics

The pH values of the Longissimus dorsi muscle ranged from 6.42 to 6.57 in the lambs fed CGT at varied levels, and the CGT inclusion had no appreciable effect on these values. These results were close to the range considered to be conventional for sheep meat [48,49] and the current figures concur with those obtained in earlier studies with reported values of 6.65 [50] and 6.58 [51] in Ile de France lambs. The WHC of the sheep meat in the current study ranged from 57.29 to 60.61% and was unaffected by feeding CGT at various levels. These values were comparable to those found in different sheep breeds (60.45%) [49], (57.08%) [50], and (60.99%) [52]. The shear force value (kg/cm2) of lambs’ Longissimus dorsi muscle varied from 4.82 to 4.91 kg/cm2, with no significant difference (p > 0.05) between treatment groups. A shear force of up to 5 kgf/cm2 is considered tender in sheep flesh [53], hence the meat from the lambs in this study can be considered tender. The results of this investigation of meat sensory evaluation showed that the CGT incorporation level had no negative effects on the pH, WHC, or shear force values of the muscles, which are quality indicators strongly associated with the meat sensory qualities.

4.5.2. The Proximate and Fatty Acid Composition

There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the proximate composition of Longissimus dorsi muscle samples among groups. The results of the present study concurred with earlier reports [46,54] on Mecheri lambs. However, there was lack of previous findings on the effect of feeding CGT on the proximate composition of meat in lambs. The proximate composition, such as fat (0.78 to 0.93 vs. 2.86 to 2.94%) and ash level (0.86 to 1.06 per vs. 1.13 to 1.18%), in the current study were lower than that found in Assaf lambs [42] fed with crude protein at different levels in the feed but the protein percentage was higher in Mecheri lambs fed with various levels of CGT (21.92 to 22.49 vs. 19.5 to 19.6%). This may be due to higher pre-slaughter and carcass weights of Assaf lambs compared to Mecheri lambs during slaughter. The protein content in the current study was comparable to the value reported in Nellore cross-bred lambs [47] and also found higher fat and ash % than the lambs fed with CGT. Inclusion of CGT in the feed of lambs increased the myristic and stearic acids in the treatment groups when compared to the control group. At the same time, it reduced oleic and behenic acids in the treatment groups compared to the control group. However, it has not caused any significant difference in the levels of palmitic, linoleic, linolenic, arachidic, DHA, and palmitoleic acids among treatment groups. The results of the present study are in accordance with a previous study [55] where they reported that oleic acid in MUFA, palmitic acid in SFA, and linoleic acid in PUFA are the most prevalent fatty acids.
It was also observed that the saturated fatty acids (SFA) were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in lambs fed with CGT (T3, T4 and T2 groups) than in the control group (T1). Though biohydrogenation occurs in both control and treatment groups, the greater levels of palmitic, stearic, and myristic acids in the treatment groups’ diets (T2 to T4) leads to an elevation in SFA level [56,57]. In contrast, the proportion of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) in the control group was considerably greater than in the T2, T3, and T4 treatment groups and might be connected to the higher MUFA content of the control animals’ roughage diet [58]. There were no significant (p > 0.05) variations in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) or the ratio of PUFA to SFA (PUFA/SFA) between treatment groups. The ratio of PUFA and SFA (PUFA/SFA) of the present study ranged within the ratio of 0.10 and 0.26 as reported in the earlier studies on sheep meat [56,59]. However, there are no prior studies on the impact of CGT on the fatty acid composition of meat from Mecheri lambs.

5. Conclusions

This study found that feeding CGT as an unconventional feed supplement at different levels improved the performance of Mecheri sheep, and that feeding Mecheri lambs with a 75% inclusion level increases body weight, feed efficiency, and carcass characteristics. Based on the overall assessment of the growth rate and carcass parameters, it is recommended to add CGT at a 75% inclusion level to the roughage portion for better growth rate, and further research is needed in the future for feeding CGT at a greater than 75% inclusion level.

Author Contributions

Conceptualization, S.B.N., S.R. and J.M.; methodology, S.B.N. and J.M.; software, A.K.T. and S.B.N.; validation, S.B.N. and K.S.; formal analysis, A.K.T.; investigation, S.B.N.; resources, J.M. and K.S.; data curation, S.B.N. and A.K.T.; original draft preparation, S.B.N.; review and editing, A.K.T., K.S. and P.V.; visualization, S.B.N.; supervision, S.R., J.M., K.S. and P.V.; project administration, J.M.; funding acquisition, J.M. and K.S. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding

The financial support for the project has been provided by Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India (Lr.No. 363/VC RI-NKL/2019 dated 20 July 2019).

Institutional Review Board Statement

This study has been conducted as per the reference Lr. No. 7236/Edu.Cell/C1/2019 dated 17 August 2019 of Institutional Biosafety Ethical Committee (IBSC) of the institute.

Informed Consent Statement

Not applicable.

Data Availability Statement

The data will be available to the needy scientist as per the MDPI transparent policy.

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University for its administrative and financial assistance in carrying out the project.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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Sustainability 15 10500 g001 550
Figure 1. (a,b) Industrial cotton gin trash fed to the trail animals.
Figure 1. (a,b) Industrial cotton gin trash fed to the trail animals.
Sustainability 15 10500 g001
Sustainability 15 10500 g002 550
Figure 2. (a,b) Feeding of cotton gin trash in experimental animals.
Figure 2. (a,b) Feeding of cotton gin trash in experimental animals.
Sustainability 15 10500 g002
Table
Table 1. The chemical composition (%) of sorghum stover, CGT, and concentrate mixture used in the experimental diet (% dry matter basis).
Table 1. The chemical composition (%) of sorghum stover, CGT, and concentrate mixture used in the experimental diet (% dry matter basis).
Nutrients (%)Sorghum StoverCotton Gin TrashConcentrate
Mixture a
Dry matter93.8991.5188.81
Crude protein6.9915.7218.35
Crude fibre33.5631.969.57
NDF64.8065.4420.07
ADF48.5051.346.57
Ether extract2.464.581.96
Total ash6.046.589.12
Calcium1.521.591.20
Phosphorus0.600.421.08
Acid insoluble ash1.402.501.20
Gross energy, MJ/kg b15.7417.0315.05
NDF: neutral detergent fibre, ADF: acid detergent fibre; a Maize 48.40%, De-oiled rice bran 30.00%, Soyabean meal 18.00%, Salt 0.50%, Calcite 2.50%, Sodium carbonate 0.50%, Trace mineral mixture 0.10% (Vitamin A 8250 IU, Vitamin D3 12,000 IU and Vitamin K 1 mg per kg). b Calculated value.
Table
Table 2. Ingredients and chemical make-up of experimental diets fed to Mecheri ram lambs at various CGT levels.
Table 2. Ingredients and chemical make-up of experimental diets fed to Mecheri ram lambs at various CGT levels.
Treatment Groups
T1 (0%)T2 (25%)T3 (50%)T4 (75%)
Ingredient (%)
Sorghum stover60.0045.0030.0015.00
Cotton gin trash0.0015.0030.0045.00
Concentrate mixture a40.0040.0040.0040.00
Chemical composition (%) Mean ± S.D
Dry matter91.86 ± 0.4891.50 ± 0.4991.14 ± 0.9390.78 ± 0.51
Crude protein11.53 ± 0.2012.84 ± 0.2414.15 ± 0.5115.46 ± 0.43
Crude fibre23.96 ± 0.9123.72 ± 1.4723.48 ± 1.0423.24 ± 1.72
NDF46.90 ± 3.5047.00 ± 2.8247.10 ± 2.1347.19 ± 1.86
ADF31.72 ± 1.9432.14 ± 1.8632.57 ± 2.1632.99 ± 1.09
Ether extract2.26 ± 0.132.58 ± 0.062.89 ± 0.163.21 ± 0.13
Total ash7.27 ± 0.187.35 ± 0.307.40 ± 0.357.50 ± 0.26
Calcium1.39 ± 0.091.4 ± 0.141.41 ± 0.151.42 ± 0.04
Phosphorus0.79 ± 0.100.76 ± 0.090.74 ± 0.100.71 ± 0.14
Acid insoluble ash1.32 ± 0.131.48 ± 0.161.65 ± 0.171.81 ± 0.18
Gross energy, MJ/kg b15.46 ± 1.2615.66 ± 0.8715.85 ± 0.7516.91 ± 0.91
Fatty acid composition (%)
Myristic (c14:0)0.77 ± 0.100.90 ± 0.121.03 ± 0.10 1.16 ± 0.24
Palmitic (c16:0)19.80 ± 1.0220.91 ± 0.8022.02 ± 1.0423.12 ± 0.88
Stearic (c18:0)5.61 ± 0.895.99 ± 0.806.37 ± 0.146.74 ± 0.12
Oleic acid (c18:1)26.13 ± 1.3725.83 ± 1.2025.53 ± 1.4025.23 ± 1.30
Linoleic (c18:2)28.87 ± 1.6728.30 ± 1.8827.73 ± 1.5027.16 ± 1.20
Linolenic (c18:3)5.54 ± 0.344.43 ± 0.283.32 ± 0.262.21 ± 0.35
Arachidic (c20:4)1.26 ± 0.341.04 ± 0.350.82 ± 0.200.60 ± 0.30
Behenic (c22:0)4.27 ± 0.28 4.12 ± 0.243.97 ± 0.30 3.82 ± 0.30
EPA (c22:5)1.14 ± 0.351.16 ± 0.301.19 ± 0.201.21 ± 0.10
DHA (c22:6)1.11 ± 0.281.15 ± 0.301.20 ± 0.201.24 ± 0.20
Palmitoleic (c16:1)1.09 ± 0.151.09 ± 0.121.08 ± 0.101.08 ± 0.10
The saturated fatty acids (SFA)30.46 ± 1.8331.92 ± 1.6833.38 ± 1.2034.84 ± 1.35
Monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA)27.22 ± 1.3626.91 ± 1.2026.61 ± 1.3026.31 ± 1.50
Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA)37.93 ± 1.6236.09 ± 1.4534.25 ± 1.6032.41 ± 1.40
PUFA/SFA1.25 ± 0.111.13 ± 0.071.03 ± 0.080.93 ± 0.10
Number of observations = 6; NDF: neutral detergent fibre, ADF: acid detergent fibre; EPA: Eicosapentaenoic Acid, DHA: Docosahexaenoic Acid; SFA = c14:0 + c16:0 + c18:0 + c22:0; MUFA = c16:1 + c18:1; PUFA = c18:2 + c18:3 + c20:4 + c22:5 + c22:6. a Maize 48.40%, De-oiled rice bran 30.00%, Soyabean meal 18.00%, Salt 0.50%, Calcite 2.50%, Sodium carbonate 0.50%, Trace mineral mixture 0.10% (Vitamin A 8250 IU, Vitamin D3 12,000 IU and Vitamin K 1 mg per kg). b Calculated value.
Table
Table 3. Growth performance and dry matter intake of Mecheri ram lambs at different levels of CGT.
Table 3. Growth performance and dry matter intake of Mecheri ram lambs at different levels of CGT.
ItemCotton Gin Trash Inclusion Levels in Roughage
T1 (0%)T2 (25%)T3 (50%)T4 (75%)SEMp-Value
Number of observations8888
Initial body weight, kg12.6412.6112.6112.640.301.000
Final body weight, kg27.18 a27.66 ab30.48 b,c31.63 c0.590.012
Total gain, kg14.54 a15.05 a17.86 b18.99 b0.550.004
ADG, g/day80.77 a83.61 a99.24 b105.51 b3.070.004
DMI, g/day734.08731.17759.64766.8614.020.764
Feed efficiency, kg/kg gain9.30 b8.96 a,b7.74 a,b 7.40 a0.280.039
Means bearing different superscripts in the same row differ significantly (p < 0.05). ADG: Average daily gain. DMI: dry matter intake.
Table
Table 4. Carcass characteristics of Mecheri ram lambs fed with different levels of CGT.
Table 4. Carcass characteristics of Mecheri ram lambs fed with different levels of CGT.
Parameters Cotton Gin Trash Inclusion Levels in Roughage
T1 (0%)T2 (25%)T3 (50%)T4 (75%)SEMp Value
Number of observations6666
Pre-slaughter weight, kg27.15 a27.58 a30.75 a,b31.70 b0.690.032
Hot carcass weight, kg12.92 a13.18 a15.22 b16.12 b0.430.009
Dressing Percentage47.60 a47.75 a49.37 a,b50.78 b0.410.008
Carcass length, cm68.5068.8371.3372.330.740.185
Meat: Bone ratio2.53 a2.54 a2.63 a,b2.76 b0.030.006
Loin eye area, cm212.28 a12.40 a13.36 b13.76 b0.360.002
Edible offals
Liver, kg0.39 a,b0.37 a0.46 b,c0.48 c0.020.026
Heart, kg0.110.100.130.130.010.191
Kidney, kg0.080.080.090.100.010.215
Spleen, kg0.05 a0.06 a,b0.07 a,b0.08 b0.010.030
Testicle, kg0.270.250.280.290.010.599
Omental fat, kg0.240.240.340.360.030.321
Caudal fat, kg0.24 a,b0.22 a0.26 a,b0.29 b0.010.043
Kidney fat, kg0.150.150.200.220.020.349
Inedible offals
Blood, kg1.081.141.281.330.040.153
Head, kg1.73 a1.74 a1.86 a,b1.93 b0.030.041
Skin, kg2.912.923.103.210.080.460
Feet, kg0.730.720.780.790.010.048
Stomach and intestine
full, kg		6.977.177.577.880.170.259
Stomach and intestine empty, kg1.58 a1.61 a1.77 a,b1.86 b0.040.048
Trachea and lungs, kg0.430.440.520.520.020.244
Wholesale cuts
Fore quarter (%)55.2054.0254.1755.940.330.125
Neck & shoulder25.9825.3525.2325.170.140.125
Breast & fore Shank16.0015.7815.4615.380.100.101
Rack13.1413.3013.7013.930.210.554
Hind quarter (%)44.8045.9945.8444.060.350.125
Loin12.69 a12.71 a13.04 a,b13.17 b0.070.029
Legs32.11 a32.49 a33.94 b34.07 b0.280.014
Means bearing different superscripts in the same row differ significantly (p < 0.05).
Table
Table 5. The physicochemical and sensory characteristics of Longissimus dorsi muscle in Mecheri ram lambs fed with different levels of CGT.
Table 5. The physicochemical and sensory characteristics of Longissimus dorsi muscle in Mecheri ram lambs fed with different levels of CGT.
ParametersCotton Gin Trash Inclusion Levels in Roughage
T1 (0%)T2 (25%)T3 (50%)T4 (75%)SEMp Value
Number of observations6666
Physicochemical properties
pH6.426.576.536.230.630.246
WHC *, %59.4457.2959.6260.610.820.566
Shear force value, kg/cm24.824.854.914.880.540.947
Sensory characteristics
Appearance7.50 57.337.337.330.160.970
Flavour7.507.007.507.670.190.657
Juiciness7.177.007.677.330.150.485
Tenderness6.506.337.33 37.000.190.229
Overall acceptability7.337.338.007.330.130.206
Means bearing different superscripts in the same row differ significantly (p < 0.05). * WHC: water holding capacity.
Table
Table 6. The proximate and fatty acid composition (%) of Longissimus dorsi muscle in Mecheri ram lambs fed different levels of CGT.
Table 6. The proximate and fatty acid composition (%) of Longissimus dorsi muscle in Mecheri ram lambs fed different levels of CGT.
ParametersCotton Gin Trash Inclusion Levels in Roughage
T1 (0%)T2 (25%)T3 (50%)T4 (75%)SEMp Value
Number of observations6666
Proximate composition (%)
Moisture73.7074.9774.0773.640.050.185
Protein23.1922.4921.9222.080.060.391
Fat0.680.780.930.790.010.143
Total ash0.951.061.070.860.010.273
Fatty acid composition (%)
Myristic (c14:0)1.5 a2.12 b2.25 b1.84 a,b0.170.005
Palmitic (c16:0)23.1925.2425.8825.220.750.056
Stearic (c18:0)18.62 a20.37 b21.38 b20.95 b0.700.019
Oleic acid (c18:1)38.83 b35.8 a,b34.36 a32.81 a1.520.025
Linoleic (c18:2)8.938.969.4410.450.720.442
Linolenic (c18:3)0.421.050.291.350.650.644
Arachidic (c20:4)0.310.10.110.120.070.141
Behenic (c22:0)4.05 b2.84 a2.2 a3.11 a,b0.400.008
EPA (c22:5)0.60 a,b0.80 b0.42 a0.35 a0.110.018
DHA (c22:6)0.400.440.350.170.080.083
Palmitoleic (c16:1)2.402.442.201.950.180.231
Saturated fatty acids (SFA)47.40 a50.58 b51.77 b51.13 b0.530.008
Monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA)41.24 b38.25 a,b36.58 a34.77 a0.800.020
Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA)10.6911.3710.6212.460.460.492
PUFA/SFA0.23 0.230.210.250.010.576
Means bearing different superscripts in the same row differ significantly (p < 0.05). EPA: Eicosapentaenoic Acid. DHA: Docosahexaenoic Acid; SFA = c14:0 + c16:0 + c18:0 + c22:0; MUFA = c16:1 + c18:1; PUFA = c18:2 + c18:3 + c20:4 + c22:5 + c22:6.
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Nagarajan, S.B.; Ramakrishnan, S.; Muralidharan, J.; Vasan, P.; Sivakumar, K.; Thiruvenkadan, A.K. Effect of Cotton Gin Trash Supplementation as Unconventional Feedstuff on Feed Intake and Production Characteristics of Mecheri Sheep of India. Sustainability 2023, 15, 10500. https://doi.org/10.3390/su151310500

AMA Style

Nagarajan SB, Ramakrishnan S, Muralidharan J, Vasan P, Sivakumar K, Thiruvenkadan AK. Effect of Cotton Gin Trash Supplementation as Unconventional Feedstuff on Feed Intake and Production Characteristics of Mecheri Sheep of India. Sustainability. 2023; 15(13):10500. https://doi.org/10.3390/su151310500

Chicago/Turabian Style

Nagarajan, Sri Balaji, Subramaniam Ramakrishnan, Jaganathan Muralidharan, Palanisamy Vasan, Karuppusamy Sivakumar, and Aranganoor Kannan Thiruvenkadan. 2023. "Effect of Cotton Gin Trash Supplementation as Unconventional Feedstuff on Feed Intake and Production Characteristics of Mecheri Sheep of India" Sustainability 15, no. 13: 10500. https://doi.org/10.3390/su151310500

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