Degradation of Crude Protein in Groundnut Cake, Guinea Grass (Panicum Maximum) and Rumen Epithelial Scraping based Diets by West African Dwarf Sheep

2021 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 106-115
Author(s):  
O. A. Ogunwole ◽  
A. Akinfemi ◽  
A. O Akinsoyinu
Keyword(s):  
Crude Protein ◽  
Insoluble Fraction ◽  
West African ◽  
Panicum Maximum ◽  
West African Dwarf ◽  
Groundnut Cake ◽  
Randomized Design ◽  
Outflow Rate ◽  
Guinea Grass ◽  
Rumen Undegradable Protein

Three West African dwarf rams fitted with rumen cannula, were used in a completely randomized design for degradation of crude protein (CP) of groundnut cake (GNC), Panicum maximum, rumen epithelial scraping (RES), and diets containing increasing levels of RES. Concentrate diets were formulated such that 0% (A), 50% (B), and 100% (C) of groundnut cake were replaced with RES in a diet containing 20% GNC. The soluble fraction a, insoluble fraction b and rumen undegradable protein (RUP) obtained for GNC, grass and RES varied significantly (P<0.05). Significant (P<0.05) variations were also observed for a, b and RUP of the test ingredients. Effective degradability (ED) of CP in GNC, grass and RES (at outflow rate of 0.02) were 38.19, 19.63 and 2.13 respectively. The ED values obtained for the diets decreased significantly (P<0.05) with increased inclusion of RES. Panicum maximum and RES contained significantly higher (P<0.05) level of RUP when compared with GNC. The RUP values obtained for the diets were not influenced (P>0.05) by the inclusion of RES.

scholarly journals Nutritive Value and Preference of Guinea-Grass Ensiled with or without Additive by West African Dwarf (WAD) Goats

2021 ◽  
Vol 44 (2) ◽  
pp. 173-182
Author(s):  
T. O. Abegunde ◽  
S. O. Babalola ◽  
B. T. Adeoye ◽  
A. O. Usman ◽  
O. M. Akinfemi
Keyword(s):  
Feed Intake ◽  
Crude Protein ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Nutritive Value ◽  
West African ◽  
Panicum Maximum ◽  
West African Dwarf ◽  
Guinea Grass ◽  
Silage Additives ◽  
Cassava Peels

A study was designed to investigate silage additives’ effect on preference and nutritive value of five weeks re-growth guinea grass by West African dwarf (WAD) goats. The silages of five weeks re-growth guinea grass were made without additive (T1), with cassava peels additive (T2), and with fermented epiphytic juice of lactic acid bacteria in Panicum maximum (FEJPM) additive (T3). The effects of silage additives on preference, voluntary feed intake, growth, digestibility, and nitrogen utilization were assessed using 18 growing WAD goats (BW: 5.88±0.26 kg) in a completely randomized design. Dry matter was significantly (p<0.05) higher in T2 silage (40.70 g/100g) than in T1 silage (39.00) and T3 silage (34.60). Crude protein values were similar (p>0.05) in T1 and T3 silages (10.63 and 10.72 g/100g DM) that were significantly lower (p<0.05) than that in T2 silage (12.54 g/100g DM). The silages of guinea grass had acceptable physical attributes in terms of color, odor, and texture, with pH values ranging from 3.87- 4.97. T1 and T3 silages were rejected, whereas T2 silage was accepted well by the experimental WAD goats. Average daily feed intake (ADFI) was significantly (p<0.05) the highest in the WAD goats fed T2 silage (303.30 g/day), and the lowest (p<0.05) was found in WAD goats fed T1 silage (271.60 g/day). Similar to the ADFI, the highest average daily gain (ADG) was found in WAD goats fed T2 silage (37.25 g/day), and the lowest ADG (p<0.05) was found in WAD goats fed T1 silage (24.50 g/day). Feed conversion ratio (FCR) of WAD goats fed T2 silage (8.15) was superior to those of WAD goats fed T1 silage (13.63) and T3 silage (9.66). Crude protein and dry matter digestibility values were higher (p<0.05) in WAD goat fed T2 silage (68.24 and 63.87%, respectively) than in WAD goats fed T1 and T3 silages. Nitrogen intake and balance were significantly (p<0.05) the highest in WAD goats fed T2 silage (12.41 and 8.68 g/day, respectively), and these variables were similar in WAD goats fed T1 and T3 silages. Nitrogen retention was not affected by the silage additives. It was concluded that cassava peels were better than FEJPM as a silage additive since it improved fermentative quality, acceptability, feed intake, and digestibility of guinea grass silage by WAD goats.

scholarly journals ENERGY REQUIREMENTS OF YOUNG EWES FED GUINEA GRASS (PANICUM MAXIMUM) FOR MAINTENANCE AND GAIN

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 117-121
Author(s):  
T. A. Adegbola ◽  
A. A. Adeleye ◽  
Y. D. Yoila
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Energy Requirement ◽  
West African ◽  
Metabolizable Energy ◽  
Energy Requirements ◽  
Panicum Maximum ◽  
West African Dwarf ◽  
Digestible Organic Matter ◽  
Guinea Grass

Energy requirement for maintenance and weight gain of non-lactating, non-pregnant West African Dwarf ewes were determined by using equation of the form DOMI           = aw0.75 + bG........ (1) where, DOMI = Digestible Organic matter intake (kg/day), W = Liveweight of ewe (kg), G = Liveweight gain of ewe (kg/day), a = DOMI requirement per kg of Wkg0.75,  b = DOMI requirement for each kilogram liveweight gain. The regression equation obtained was DOMI = 0.0385Wkg 0.75 + 1.54G........(2). The values of DOM required per kilogram of Wkg0.75 and for each kilogram of liveweight gain, were 0.0385 and 1.54kg respectively. In terms of Metabolizable energy (ME) equation (2) can be written as follows: ME = 523.50Wkg0.75 + 20940.92G........(3) Values of ME required per kilogram of Wkg0.75 and each kilogram of liveweight gain were 523.5 and 20940.92 KJ from equation 3. These results are comparable to those obtained for other breeds of sheep of both temperate and tropical origin.

scholarly journals Nutritional potential of differently processed Cajanus cajan leaves on nutrient digestibility and nitrogen utilization of West African dwarf growing rams fed Panicum maximum

2020 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 208-216
Author(s):  
I. A. Adebisi ◽  
A. B. Ajibike ◽  
O. O. Okunola ◽  
J. A. Alalade ◽  
H. O. Amusa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Cajanus Cajan ◽  
Crude Protein ◽  
Protein Digestibility ◽  
Nutrient Digestibility ◽  
West African ◽  
Nitrogen Utilization ◽  
Panicum Maximum ◽  
West African Dwarf ◽  
Dietary Treatments

Browse legume plants particularly pigeon pea forage generates a lot of underutilized leaves which if properly harnessed can be a cheaper source of nutrients for small ruminant animal production, during dry season feed shortages. In this study, the nutrient digestibility and nitrogen utilization of West African dwarf growing rams fed differently processed Cajanus cajan leaves and Panicum maximum basal diet for 56 days feeding trial. A total of sixteen(16) growing WAD rams between 6 - 9 months with an average body weight of 7.00 - 12.00k were randomly allocated to 4 treatments with 4 rams each and 2 rams per replicate. The experimental diet was fed at 3% body weight of individual ram while fresh, wilted, and dried forms of Cajanus cajan leaves supplemented at varied inclusion levels (0%, 30% fresh, 30% wilted and 30% dried) with Panicum maximum. There were significant (P<0.05) differencesin all parameters determined on nutrient digestibility across the dietary treatments. Animals maintained on T (70% Panicum maximum and 30% dried Cajanus cajan leaves) had the 4 highest dry matter digestibility (60.46%), while the lowest value (48.56%) for DMD was recorded in T diet. Rams fed T diet had the highest mean crude protein digestibility (CPD) 1 2 value of 11.30%, followed by T (10.68%), 10.02% for T , while T diet had the lowest mean 2 1 4CPD of 9.21%. Rams fed T diet had the highest mean crude fibre digestibility (CFD) value of 1 37.65%, while 35.03, 33.18 and 32.71 were recorded for T , T and T diet respectively. T was 4 2 3 4 observed to have the highest mean ash digestibility value of 17.07% with T , T and T having 3 1 2 the value of 16.02, 14.28 and 13.36 respectively. There were significant (P<0.05) differences in all parameters determined on nitrogen utilization across the dietary treatments. Rammaintained on T diet had the highest mean intake of 4.42g/d while T diet had the lowest 2 1 mean value of 2.64g/d. The lowest mean nitrogen balance (NB) of 0.43g/d was observed in rams fed T diet while rams on T diet had the highest NB value of 2.18g/d. Rams fed T diet 1 2 4 had the highest faecal nitrogen value of 2.14g/d. However, rams maintained on T diet had 4 the highest value urinary nitrogen of 1.07g/d. The nitrogen utilization fluctuatedsignificantly (P<0.05) across the dietary treatments. It can be concluded that supplementation of fresh Cajanus cajan forages at 30% inclusion with Panicum maximum at 70% for growing rams can enhance nutrient utilization in terms of crude protein digestibility and nitrogen utilization without any deleterious effects on the animals.

scholarly journals Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics of West African Dwarf Bucks Fed Different Forms of Processed Guinea Grass (Panicum Maximum)

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 254-260
Author(s):  
G. D. Eyoh ◽  
M. D. Udo ◽  
C. P. Edet
Keyword(s):  
Growth Performance ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Carcass Characteristics ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
West African ◽  
Panicum Maximum ◽  
Internal Organs ◽  
West African Dwarf ◽  
Guinea Grass ◽  
Intensively Managed

An experiment was conducted to determine the growth performance and carcass characteristics of West African Dwarf bucks fed different types of processed Panicum maximum. Twelve West African Dwarf bucks aged between 6 and 8 months with initial mean weight of 7.26 kg were intensively managed for 56 days. The experimental diets are wilted Panicum maximum, fresh Panicum maximum, ensiled Panicum maximum and Panicum maximum Hay designated as T1, T2, T3, and T4, respectively. The results revealed that goats placed on wilted Panicum maximum (T1) (135.18g/day) and hay, (T4) (139.29g/day) were similar in respect to concentrate intake. Forage intake showed significant (P<0.05) differences. Goats fed wilted Panicum (T1) (607.78g/day) and fresh Panicum maximum (T2) (634.46g/day) had similar intake but differed from goats placed on ensiled Panicum maximum (T3) and hay Panicum maximum (T4). Daily dry matter intake (DMI) differed (P<0.05) significantly among treatments. Total daily feed intake of goats on wilted Panicum maximum (T1) (42.96g/day) and fresh Panicum maximum (T2) (759.80g/day) were similar and differed from total daily feed intake of goats placed on ensiled Panicum maximum(564.28g/day) and Hay Panicum maximum484g/day. Goats fed wilted Panicum maximum produced higher value of live weight which did not differ (P>0.05) from other treatments.Bucks on fresh Panicum maximum (T2) had higher value of bled weight (7.40kg) but did not significantly differ (P>0.05). Heavier dressed weight (35.62) was recorded by goats fed wilted Panicum maximum (T1) but did not significantly differ (P>0.05) from other treatments. Dressing percentages, thigh, loin, internal organs and bone to lean ratio were not significantly different (P>0.05) from each other. The use of Panicum maximum in any form has no effect on conversion of forage into meat and formation of any part.

scholarly journals Piliostigma thonningii leaves as dry season feed supplement for West African dwarf goats

2020 ◽  
Vol 46 (2) ◽  
pp. 276-283
Author(s):  
F. O. Jemiseye ◽  
J. A. Akinlade ◽  
O. A. Ogunwole ◽  
B. S. Adedeji
Keyword(s):  
Crude Protein ◽  
Dry Season ◽  
Nutrient Digestibility ◽  
West African ◽  
Panicum Maximum ◽  
Feed Supplement ◽  
Mineral Contents ◽  
West African Dwarf ◽  
West African Dwarf Goat ◽  
Piliostigma Thonningii

A persistent issue with ruminant production during the dry season in the tropics is scarcity of forages. Producers are faced with the search for alternative feed supplements to address this issue without compromising productivity. Acceptability of Piliostigma thonningii as dry season feed supplement to West African dwarf (WAD) goat was investigated in this study. The WAD goats (n=15) were divided into three treatments of five goats each in a completely randomized design. The animals were fed with Panicum maximum without supplementation at 100% (T1), 90% Panicum maximum+10% Piliostigma thonningii (T2) and 80% Panicum  maximum+20% Piliostigma thonningii (T3). Fresh water was also made available throughout the trial that lasted six weeks. Chemical analysis of the forages was observed while feed intake, weight gain and nutrient digestibility were monitored. Results showed that Piliostigma thonningii had a higher (15.25%) crude protein and lower (57.38%) neutral detergent fibre contents than the grass. Both had comparable energy values. Piliostigma thonningii had relatively high mineral contents while the anti-nutrient contents of phytate and oxalate were relatively low. Although the crude protein intake increased with increasing levels of supplementation, the total dry matter intake was not favoured beyond 10% level of Piliostigma thonningii level. It can be concluded that there was no advantage in feeding West African dwarf goat Piliostigma thonningii beyond 10% level.

scholarly journals Performance of West African dwarf goats fed Panicum maximum and concentrate diets supplemented with Lablab (Lablab purpureus), Leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala) and Gliricidia (Gliricidia sepium) foliage.

2021 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 102-111
Author(s):  
O. J. Babayemi ◽  
F. T. Ajayi ◽  
A. A. Taiwo ◽  
M. A. Bamikole ◽  
A. K. Fajimi
Keyword(s):  
Feed Intake ◽  
Leucaena Leucocephala ◽  
Gliricidia Sepium ◽  
West African ◽  
Control Treatment ◽  
Design Parameters ◽  
Panicum Maximum ◽  
Lablab Purpureus ◽  
West African Dwarf ◽  
Randomized Design

Performance of Sixteen West African dwarf (WAD) goats were evaluated by feeding varying proportions of Lablab purpureus (LP) and Panicum maximum (PM) based diets. The study lasted for 105 days during which Leucaena leucocephala (LL) with Panicum maximum (PM) were fed at ratio 25:75 (T), Gliricidia sepium (GS) and PM at ratio 25:75 (T) and Lablab purpureus (LP) with PM were fed at ratio 25:75 (T) and 50:50 (T)) respectively. Concentrate (13 % CP) was given to the animals at 1 % body weight. The animals were arranged in a completely randomized design. Parameters such as feed intake, growth rate, digestibility and nitrogen balance were monitored. The DM intake (g/kgW0.75/day) was not significant among the treatment means. Animals placed on 50 % lablab had better dry matter than goats in other treatments. Treatment 3 and 4 had highest values 115.71 and 121.87 respectively than the control, Treatment, The crude protein intake (g/ kgW0.75/day) was highest in treatment 4 (23.97) and lowest in treatment 3 (20.57). The liveweight gain (g/day) was highest in animals fed with leucaena and those on 50% lablab. The digestibility of DM, CP, ADF, ADL and NDF were generally higher than the control and best in the 50 % lablab supplementation. The N balance (g/kgW0.75/day) and retention were also highest in 50% lablab and lowest in 25 % Gliricidia supplemented diet. Result indicated that feeding lablab at 50 % supplementation with Panicum marimum-diets could lead to improve feed intake, weight gain, digestibility and nitrogen utilization in WAD

scholarly journals Nutrient intake and digestibility of West African dwarf goats fed graded levels of and as supplements to Afzelia africana Newbouldia laevis Panicum maximum

2020 ◽  
Vol 44 (4) ◽  
pp. 297-306
Author(s):  
I. Ikihimioya ◽  
M. I. Okoruwa ◽  
U. I. Ikhatua
Keyword(s):  
Nutrient Intake ◽  
Crude Protein ◽  
Nutrient Digestibility ◽  
West African ◽  
Panicum Maximum ◽  
West African Dwarf ◽  
West African Dwarf Goats ◽  
Acid Detergent Fibre ◽  
Afzelia Africana ◽  
Dwarf Goats

The study was conducted to determine nutrient intake and digestibility of West African dwarf goats fed graded levels of Afzelia africana and New bouldia laevisas supplements to Panicum maximum. Twenty female West African dwarf goats aged between 5 and 7 months old with mean live weight of 6.62±0.41kg were allotted to five dietary treatments with two replicates of two goats per treatment in a completely randomised design. The compared diets were: T (100% Panicum maximum), T (25%Afzelia africana and 75% Panicum maximum), T (50% Afzelia africana and 50% Panicum maximum), T (25% New bouldia laevis and 75% Panicum maximum) and T (50% Newbouldia laevis and 50% Panicum maximum). A metabolism trial was conducted at the end of the feeding trial to assess the diets on nutrient digestibility after the nutrient intake study of the goats. Results obtained showed that total hemicelluloses intake (62.48g.day ) was significantly (p<0.05) higher in T compared with other diets. Total crude protein intake(43.45g.d) and hemicelluloses digestibility(92.20%)were higher significantly (p<0.001) and (p<0.01) respectively in T . Total lignin intake (36.22g.d )and organic matter digestibility (77.70%) were significantly better (p<0.05) and (p<0.01) respectively in T . Digestibility of neutral and acid detergent fibre (55.71% and 49.79%) were significantly higher (p<0.05) and (p<0.001) while dry matter digestibility (83.49%) was significantly better (p<0.01) in T than other treatment diets. Total dry matter, organic matter, neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre and cellulose intakes with digestibility of crude protein, lignin and cellulose were not significantly (p>0.05) affected by treatment diets. It was concluded that the combination of Panicum maximum based diet with Newbouldia laevis in a ratio of 50:50 had the potential to enhance nutrient digestibility in goats.

scholarly journals Effects of Garlic Powder (Allium Sativum) Supplementation on Carcass Characteristics of West African Dwarf Rams

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Oluwatoyin Folake Alamuoye ◽  
Adekum Maria Kikelomo
Keyword(s):  
Allium Sativum ◽  
Control Diet ◽  
Carcass Characteristics ◽  
West African ◽  
Panicum Maximum ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Garlic Powder ◽  
West African Dwarf ◽  
Randomized Design ◽  
Dietary Treatments

The effect of garlic powder (Allium sativum) supplementation on quantitative carcass and non- carcass characteristics of West African Dwarf Rams was investigated. A total of 40 West African Dwarf yearling rams were randomly assigned to five dietary groups in a completely randomized design. Each group contained eight rams (two rams of four replicates) assigned separately to five dietary treatments having garlic powder as supplements at 0% (control, diet 1), 0.2% (diet 2), 0.4% (diet 3), 0.6% (diet 4) and 0.8% (diet 5) respectively. Rams in each replicate were housed in individual pen and fed with Panicum maximum at 0.2 kg/ram/day as basal diets and water was provided ad libitum, for a period of 12 weeks. The result showed that the dressing percentage varied among treatment groups with the highest value (55.76±1.82%) obtained from rams fed 4% garlic powder inclusion (treatment 3). The carcass characteristics significantly varied (p<0.05) among treatments. Also, dietary treatments had no significant (p>0.05) effect on the composition of the non-carcass components. Meat to bone ratio was significantly (p<0.05) higher in the flank cut of treatment 5 than cut-parts of other treatments. The study concluded that garlic powder (Allium sativum) supplementation increased carcass yield of West African Dwarf ram.  

scholarly journals Performance of West African Dwarf (WAD) bucks fed differently processed poultry droppings

2021 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
pp. 146-156
Author(s):  
U. Okah ◽  
R. K. Anokwuru ◽  
V. O. Onyearu
Keyword(s):  
Dry Matter ◽  
Relative Weight ◽  
West African ◽  
Dry Matter Intake ◽  
Panicum Maximum ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
West African Dwarf ◽  
Randomized Design ◽  
Poultry Droppings ◽  
Biochemical Indices

A 56 day trial was carried out to evaluate the response of West African Dwarf (WAD) bucks fed processed poultry dropping. Nine (9) West African Dwarf (WAD) bucks were assigned to three treatment groups in a completely randomized design (CRD) experiment with 3 bucks per treatment. The diets contained poultry dropping at 0% (T1), 10% sun dried poultry dropping (SDPD, T2) and 10% toasted poultry dropping (TPD, T3). The parameters evaluated included: dry matter intake (DMI), changes in body weight, feed conversion ratio (FCR), heart girth (HGC), body length (BLC) and height at withers, hematological and biochemical indices, and carcass characteristics of the bucks. Proximate analyses of the sun-dried poultry dropping, toasted poultry dropping, the treatment diets and the forages (Panicum maximum and Centrocema spp.) were also carried out. Concentrate dry matter intakes were 184.65g, 150.05g and 183.62g while forage dry matter intakes were 494.04g, 569.70g and 555.66g for T1, T2, and T3 respectively. Concentrate dry matter intake was similar (P>0.05) in T1 and T3 groups, but significantly (P<0.05) higher than the T2 group. The T2 group consumed significantly higher (P<0.05) forage than the T1 and T3 groups. HGC and HWC were 5.67cm, 2.33cm and 4.67cm, and 5.00cm 4.67cm and 4.00cm respectively. T1 and T3 had higher HGC than T2 group, while the T2 group recorded higher HWC than the T1 and T3 groups. The hemoglobin (Hb) values varied significantly (p<0.05) among the treatment means, and they were, 12.30, 11.30 and 12.00g/dl respectively. PCV (%) and WBC(x103/mm3 varied significantly (p<0.05) and the values were 37.00, 34.00 and 36.00 (%), and 39.00, 56.07 and 42.50(x103/mm3 respectively. Neutrophil and lymphocyte were also influenced significantly, the values were, 15.00, 10, and 31.00%, and 83.00, 86.00, and 66.00% respectively. Only serum urea was affected among the biochemical components, and the values were 0.87, 0.90 and 0.97 mg/dl respectively. Dressing percentage were 34.62%, 37.75% and 42.60% for T1, T2 and T3 respectively; the T2 and T3 groups were similar (P>0.05) but T3 was higher than T1. The values for shoulder were 10.67%, 10, 74% and 8.05%; the full gut values were 47.20% 38.56% and 28.68% for T1, T2 and T3 respectively. Liver, kidney and heart were 2.90%, 2.22% and 1.93%; 0.55, 0.47% and 0.42%, and 0.72%, 0.57% and 0.58% for T1,   T2   and T3 respectively. T1 showed significantly (P<0.05) higher relative weight values for liver and heart than the T3 group. Inclusion of processed poultry dropping up to 10% in the diets of WAD bucks did not affect their performance negatively. However simple sun drying is recommended based on the results of this study and it is also a cheaper and straight forward processing method for poultry dropping.

scholarly journals Morphological Identification of Rumen Microbial Isolate and Rumen Metabolites of West African dwarf sheep supplemented with forage-based Multi-nutrient Blocks

2020 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
O Isah ◽  
A. V. Ijiyemi ◽  
O. A. Ajayi ◽  
B. E. Afolabi ◽  
J. O. K. Talabi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Crude Protein ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Ammonia Nitrogen ◽  
West African ◽  
Morphological Identification ◽  
Panicum Maximum ◽  
Microbial Count ◽  
Fermentation Products ◽  
Microbial Identification ◽  
West African Dwarf

This study investigated the rumen fermentation parameters and rumen microbial identification of West African dwarf (WAD) sheep supplemented with forage – based multinutrient blocks (MNB). Twenty-five male WAD sheep, 9 – 12 months of age were used. The animals were randomly assigned to five formulated experimental multi-nutrient blocks having five animals per treatment and were fed with Panicum maximum ad libitum as basal diet for 84 days. The multi-nutrient blocks were Ipomoea triloba-based multi-nutrient block (IMNB), Merremia aegyptia-based multi-nutrient block (MMNB), Tithonia diversifoliabased multi-nutrient block (TMNB), Chromolaena-odorata based multi-nutrient block (CMNB) and Azadirachta indica-based multi-nutrient block (AMNB). The chemical composition, nutrient intake and concentration of rumen metabolites were statistically compared. Also, rumen microbes were isolated and identified. Results revealed that CMNB had highest (P < 0.05) dry matter and crude protein contents (87.48 and 22.75% respect ively) and sheep fed this block recorded highest dry matter and crude protein intakes (756.08 and 85.26 g/day respectively). Total volatile fatty acid, acetate, propionate and ammonia nitrogen concentrations as well as total viable bacteria count were higher (P < 0.05) in sheep fed AMNB. Ruminococcus spp and Lactobacillus spp were among the group of bacteria isolated from the rumen of sheep fed forage based multi-nutrient blocks. It was concluded that feeding of forage based multi-nutrient blocks especially CMNB and AMNB to ruminant could improve rumen microbial count and fermentation products which can also improve the efficiency of the animals towards better performance.

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