scholarly journals Intake, digestibility and nitrogen utilization of West African dwarf goats fed diets containing graded levels of alkaline treated malted sorghum sprout

2020 ◽  
Vol 47 (3) ◽  
pp. 281-290
Author(s):  
A. A. Saka ◽  
R. K. Adekunjo ◽  
S. O. Odukoya ◽  
K. B. Jinadu ◽  
O. A. Awodele
Keyword(s):  
Nitrogen Balance ◽  
Nutrient Intake ◽  
Nutrient Digestibility ◽  
West African ◽  
Nitrogen Utilization ◽  
Panicum Maximum ◽  
West African Dwarf ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Nutrients Intake ◽  
Dietary Treatments

A twelve-week trial was conducted to determine the nutrients intake, digestibility and nitrogen utilization of West African dwarf (WAD) goats fed diets containing graded levels of alkaline treated malted sorghum sprout (AMSP) using Panicum maximum as the basal diet. A total number of sixteen (16) WAD goats with an average live weight; 5.8 ± 0.6 kg were allotted on weight equalization into four (4) dietary treatments consisting of four goats per treatments in a completely randomized design. Four (4) diets were formulated to contain 0, 20, 40 and 60% AMSP. Data was collected on nutrients intake, digestibility and Nitrogen utilization parameters. Significant difference (P<0.05) were observed in all the nutrient intake parameters observed except for dry matter intake. Goats fed 40% AMSP recorded the highest total ash intake (27.01%), total acid detergent fibre (11.46%) and total cellulose intake (83.13%) compared with other dietary treatments. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in all the nutrient digestibility parameters except the ether extract, ash, cellulose and hemicellulose. The highest Ash (66.16%), cellulose (82.47%) and hemicellulose (82.26%) contents were obtained in goats fed 40% AMSP. There were no significant differences (p>0.05) among the Nitrogen metabolism variables observed except total nitrogen intake and nitrogen balance. Goats fed 40% AMSP based diet recorded the highest Nitrogen retention (62.18%). It can therefore be concluded that 40% AMSP can be used as potential sources of supplements in ruminants feed most especially during dry season as it enhanced nutrient intake, digestibility and nitrogen balance.

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 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 processed jackfruit seed based diet on nutrient intake, digestibility and nutrition in West African dwarf goats

2020 ◽  
Vol 47 (5) ◽  
pp. 204-212
Author(s):  
G. D. Eyoh ◽  
M. D. Udoh
Keyword(s):  
Nitrogen Balance ◽  
Nutrient Intake ◽  
Crude Protein ◽  
Latin Square ◽  
West African ◽  
Crude Fibre ◽  
West African Dwarf ◽  
West African Dwarf Goats ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Dwarf Goats

In spite of the major role of providing meat and dairy products amongst other attributes, low animal protein intake still remains a nutritional challenge. Against this background, the effect of processed jackfruit seed meal (JFSM) as a source of protein on nutrient intake, digestibility and nitrogen balance by West African dwarf goats was investigated. The seeds were processed as raw, soaked and toasted with 5% JFSM in each processing method incorporate in feed and designated as diets B, C and D, while diet A devoid of JFSM served as the control. Four animals were randomly assigned to the diets in a 4x4 Latin square design experiment. The goats were each housed in a metabolic cage. Data was collected on nutrient intake, digestibility and nitrogen balance. Significant (P<0.05) differences were observed in nitrogen intake (g/d), nitrogen absorbed (g/d) and nitrogen balance (g/d); 7.37, 7.45, 7.40, 7.55g/d, 3.05, 3.15, 3.23, 3.40g/d and 3.66, 3.75, 3.83, 4.02g/d respectively. Similarly, apparent digestibility coefficient also showed significant difference (P<0.05) in crude protein, crude fibre, ether extract and energy. Metabolic faecal nitrogen (MFN) (g-1100gDM) values were 1.38, 0.93, 0.38 and 1.75 for diets A, B, C and D respectively while digestible crude protein (DCP) g-1d-1Wkg 0.75 values were 2.13, 5.39, 2.00 and 2.45 for diets A, B, C and D respectively. This shows that the diet enhanced nutrient intake, digestibility and nitrogen utilization, thus promoting positive nitrogen balance and maintenance in goats.     Malgré le rôle majeur de fournir de viande et de produits laitiers, entre autres attributs, la faible consommation de protéines animales reste un défi nutritionnel. Dans ce contexte, l'effet de la farine de graines de jacquier transformée en tant que source de protéines sur les nutriments consumés, la digestibilité et le bilan azoté des chèvres naines d'Afrique de l'Ouest a été étudié. Les graines ont été traitées comme crues, trempées et grillées avec 5% de la farine de graines de jacquier transformée dans chaque méthode de traitement, incorporées dans les aliments pour animaux et désignées sous le nom de régimes B, C et D, tandis que le régime A dépourvu de la farine de graines de jacquier transformée a servi de témoin. Quatre animaux ont été assignés au hasard aux régimes dans une expérience de conception en carré latin 4x4. Les chèvres étaient logées chacune dans une cage métabolique. Des données ont été recueillies sur l'apport en éléments nutritifs, la digestibilité et le bilan azoté. Des différences significatives (P <0.05) ont été observées dans l'apport d'azote (g / j), l'azote absorbé (g / j) et le bilan azoté (g / j) ; 7.37, 7.45, 7.40, 7.55 g / j, 3.05, 3.15, 3.23, 3.40 g / j et 3.66, 3.75, 3.83, 4.02 g / j respectivement. De même, le coefficient de digestibilité apparente a également montré une différence significative (P <0.05) dans les protéines brutes, les fibres brutes, l'extrait d'éther et l'énergie. Les valeurs d'azote fécal métabolique (NPF) (g-1100gDM) étaient respectivement de 1.38, 0.93, 0.38 et 1.75 pour les régimes A, B, C et D, tandis que les valeurs de protéine brute digestible (DCP) étaient g-1d-1Wkg 0.75 de 2.13, 5.39, 2.00 et 2.45 pour les régimes A, B, C et D respectivement. Cela montre que le régime a amélioré l'apport en nutriments, la digestibilité et l'utilisation de l'azote, favorisant ainsi l'équilibre et le maintien positifs de l'azote chez les chèvres.

Effects of varying dietary zinc levels on energy and nitrogen utilization in West African dwarf kids.

2020 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 171-177
Author(s):  
O. M. Osineye
Keyword(s):  
West African ◽  
Nitrogen Utilization ◽  
Energy Utilization ◽  
Pennisetum Purpureum ◽  
Panicum Maximum ◽  
Forage Crops ◽  
West African Dwarf ◽  
Andropogon Gayanus ◽  
Zinc Levels ◽  
Dietary Treatments

Zinc is an essential dietary mineral for growth and pregnancy in livestock. However, its requirement for indigenous livestock has not been given adequate attention. Therefore, zinc requirement for energy and nitrogen utilization in West African dwarf (WAD) kid was investigated. Forage crops and commercial rations from four different feed mills, were analyzed to provide baseline zinc levels to which goats were exposed. Twenty-one weaned WAD female kids, aged 5-6 months and weighing 4.8-5.6kg were randomly assigned to seven dietary treatments and were further replicated three times. in a completely randomized design. Animals were transferred to individual metabolic cages for separate collection of feaces and urine 14 and 15 weeks later. Parameters determined were dry matter intake (DMI), energy utilization and nitrogen utilization. The mean±SE of Panicum maximum, Andropogon gayanus, Pennisetum purpureum, Leucaena leucocephala and Gliricidia sepium, contained 31.2±5.0; 29.1± 3.0;34.6± 6.0; 45.0± 5.0 and 47.1± 4.0mg Zn/kg DM respectively. Growing WAD kids fed 134.0 mg/kg DM had significantly (p<0.05) higher DM1 (% of body weight) of 8.2 as compared with kids fed 44.0, 104.0, 164.0, 194.0, 224.0 and 254.0mg Zn/kg DM which recorded 7.7, 7.9, 7.4, 7.3, 7.1 and 4.3 % respectively. This trend was observed for energy utilization (77.40) which was significantly (p<0.05) higher than other dietary treatments which recorded 74.40. 75.20. 70.10, 65.37, 64.10 and 49.42 respectively. Animals on dietary Zn content of 134.0ppm and 164.0ppm recorded the lowest feed conversion ratio of 6.00. Therefore, growing WAD kids required 134mgZn/kg DM for optimal growth and physiological performance.

scholarly journals Nutritional potential of kenaf grain meal as a replacement for palm kernel cake in cassava peel-based concentrate for sheep

2021 ◽  
Vol 54 (1) ◽  
pp. 174-183
Author(s):  
Sunday Oloruntoba Omotoso ◽  
Festus Temitope Ajayi ◽  
Olusimbo Kenneth-Obosi ◽  
Mutiu Olakunle Oladele-Bukola
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Nitrogen Balance ◽  
Nutrient Intake ◽  
Palm Kernel ◽  
Nutrient Digestibility ◽  
Daily Weight Gain ◽  
Panicum Maximum ◽  
Palm Kernel Cake ◽  
Dietary Treatments ◽  
Cassava Peel

Abstract The study evaluated the nutrient intake, apparent nutrient digestibility, performance and nitrogen balance of West African Dwarf (WAD) sheep fed cassava peel-based diets containing kenaf grain meal (KGM) in replacement of palm kernel cake (PKC). Sixteen female WAD sheep with an average initial live weight of 9.71 ± 0.05 kg were selected for four dietary treatments, having four animals per diet. The diets comprised wilted guinea grass (Panicum maximum) as basal diet and cassava peel based diets with levels of replacement of PKC by KGM at 0 %, 15 %, 20 % and 25 %, respectively, as: 1) (25 % PKC + 0 % KGM), 2) (10 % PKC + 15 % KGM), 3) (5 % PKC + 20 % KGM), and 4) (0 % PKC + 25 % KGM). Increasing levels of KGM in the dietary treatments significantly (p < 0.05) influenced the total feed and nutrient intake (g / kg W0.75), digestibility and weight gain. Total feed intake (108.48 g / kg W0.75 or 662.82 g / day), nutrient intake, feed conversion ratio (21.47) and daily weight gain (30.95 g / day) were outstanding (p < 0.05) when PKC was completely replaced by KGM. Similarly, nutrient digestibility coefficients and nitrogen utilization values differed with increasing level of KGM inclusion, with the peak effects recorded in sheep at 5 % PKC and 20 % KGM inclusions than the other dietary groups. Thus, kenaf grain meal can successfully be used to replace palm kernel cake as an unconventional protein and energy source in cassava peel based diet for WAD sheep without causing any negative impact on nutrient intake and digestibility, nitrogen balance and growth performance.

scholarly journals Nutrient intake and digestibility of selected browse plants fed in combination with Panicum maximum to West African dwarf (WAD) bucks

2021 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 162-172
Author(s):  
U. Okah ◽  
E. A. Anita
Keyword(s):  
Nutrient Intake ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Nutrient Utilization ◽  
West African ◽  
Metabolizable Energy ◽  
Panicum Maximum ◽  
Crude Fibre ◽  
West African Dwarf ◽  
Faecal Nitrogen ◽  
Urinary Nitrogen

A study was conducted to evaluate nutrient intake and digestibility of Panicum maximum fed in combination with selected browse plants to West African dwarf (WAD) bucks. Four intact West African dwarf (WAD) bucks of mean body weight 17.50kg were used to conduct digestibility study in a 4 x 4 Latin Square design experiment. Four forage combinations, diets A, B, C and D were fed to the goats. Diet A, the control, was 100% Panicum maximuni, while diets B, C and D contained 60% Panicum maximum each plus 40% of Alchornea cordifolia, Manniophyton fulvum and Gmelina arborea, respectively. The study lasted 56 days in a 14 day x 4 change over periods. Data were collected on dry matter intake (DMI), nutrient intake and digestibility. Simple linear regression and correlation were used to assess the degree of relationship between some of the digestion components. The result of proximate analysis indicated that the diets (P. max + browse) B, C and D had significantly (p<0.05) higher dry matter (%DM) contents of 81.12, 81.09 and 80.68%, respectively, than the 75.71% for diet A (sole P.max). Crude protein content of 17.56, 15.62 and 17.52%, respectively were also higher (p<0.05) than the 8.38%for diet A. There was higher (p<0.05) ether extract content of 2.43, 2.38 and 2.32%, for diets B, C, and D, respectively than the 1.32% for diet A. The ash content of 10.71, 9.78 and 9.76% for diets B, C and D respectively, were also higher (p<0.05) than the 7.83% for diets A. Metabolizable energy (MJKg-1) values of 1.41, 1.42 and 1.42 for diets B, C and D were also higher (p<0.05) than the 1.31 for diet A. However, the crude fibre value of the diet A (27.26%) was significantly (p<0.05) higher than the 18.30, 19.30 and 18.58% for diets B, C and D. respectively. There were significant (p<0.05) differences in DMI among treatment means. Vitro significantly (p<0.05) higher for animals fed diets B(15.04). C(13.12 ) and D(14.48 ) wherein P.max was fed in combination with browse plants than in the diet A( 6.28) group fed sole Pmax. Faecal nitrogen showed no significant (p>0.05) difference among treatment means. Urinary nitrogen was significantly (p<0.05) higher in diet A group (0.39) than in diets B (0.30), C (0.34) and D (0.43) groups. There was positive nitrogen balance for all in the treatment groups. Apparent nitrogen digestibility (%) was significantly (p<0.05) higher in diets B (92.37). C (90.51) and D (97.63) groups than in diet A (79.49). Nitrogen intake (g/d) could not reliably predict faecal nitrogen (g/kgDM) in diets C and D groups. Absorbed nitrogen (g/d/WKg0.75) could not predict urinary nitrogen (g/d/WKg0.75) in any of the diets. Biological value (BV) of the diets were A (55), B (45), C (81) and D (97). The result of this study shows that the animals fed P. max + browse recorded higher DMI, nutrient intake and digestibility than the sole P.max diet. These evaluation indices were, however, mostly better in the diet B group (60% P.maximum + 40% Alchornea cordifolia). The combination of 60% P. maximum + 40% Alchornea cordifolia is therefore recommended for West African dwarf (WAD) goats reared in the humid tropics of Nigeria for optimum intake and improved nutrient utilization.

scholarly journals Performance and nutrient digestibility of West African Dwarf rams fed Panicum maximum and Tridax procumbens supplemented with Cajanus cajan leaves

2021 ◽  
Vol 43 (2) ◽  
pp. 139-146
Author(s):  
I. A Adebisi ◽  
A. B. Ajibike ◽  
T. O Muraina ◽  
H. O Amusa ◽  
O. O Okunlola ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Cajanus Cajan ◽  
Small Ruminants ◽  
Nutrient Digestibility ◽  
West African ◽  
Daily Weight Gain ◽  
Panicum Maximum ◽  
Crude Fibre ◽  
West African Dwarf ◽  
Tridax Procumbens

An experiment was carried out to investigate the performance and nutrient digestibility of West African dwarf growing rams fed mixture of Panicum maximum and Tridax procumbens supplemented with Cajanus cajan leaves for 56 days feeding trial. A total of twelve WAD rams were randomly allocated to three treatments with four animals per treatment while two animals served as replicate. The experimental diet was fed at 3% body weight of individual animals while Cajanus cajan leaves were supplemented at varied inclusion levels. The results revealed that animals fed T1 recorded the least weight gain (36.96g/day) while the highest weight gain (56.42g/day) was recorded for T3. The daily weight gain of animals was significantly different across all treatments (P<0.05). The highest DMI (18.30kg) was recorded on the T1, and the least value of DMI (17.40kg) was recorded in T3. The highest feed efficiency ratio (0.18) and the lowest value (0.11) were observed in animals fed T1 and T3 diet respectively. There were significant differences (P<0.05) in the nutrient digestibility parameters of the experimental animals. The results showed that T1 (100% sole Cajanus cajan leaves) promoted the best dry matter (DM) digestibility (89.56%) which was enough to meet the production and maintenance requirement of small ruminants while the lowest value (88.67%) of DMD was recorded in T2 . The highest crude protein (CP) digestibility (13.20%) was observed in T3 diet. The highest value for crude fibre digestibility (38.95%) and the lowest value (35.35%) were observed in animals fed T2 and T1 diet respectively. In conclusion, supplementation of Cajanus cajan leaves with mixture of Tridax procumbens and Panicum maximum as basal diet for feeding sheep enhanced nutrient intake, growth performance and improved nutrient digestibility without health challenges to the animals.

scholarly journals Effect of supplementing wheat offal with varied graded levels of sugarcane scrapping on utilisation of sorghum panicle fed Red Sokoto buck Keyw

2020 ◽  
Vol 44 (5) ◽  
pp. 199-202
Author(s):  
H. Y. Adamu ◽  
A. M. Bolakale ◽  
S. B. Abdu ◽  
M. R. Hassan ◽  
M. Kabir ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sugar Cane ◽  
Nitrogen Balance ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Latin Square ◽  
Nutrient Digestibility ◽  
Nitrogen Utilization ◽  
Dry Matter Intake ◽  
High Dry Matter ◽  
Complete Diet ◽  
Dietary Treatments

Four Red Sokoto bucks of averageweight 17. 40±2kg were fed sugarcane scrappingmeal in a complete diet to evaluate the nutrients intake, digestibility and nitrogen balance. In a 4×4 Latin Square Design four dietary treatments containing sugarcane scrapping at 0, 10, 20, and 30% levels of inclusion supplementing wheat offal in a complete diet were used The proximate composition of the sugarcane scrapping showed that the scrapping had, 10.01, 2.98%and 3114 Kcal/Kg of CF, CP andME respectively. The results of the trial showed that significant high dry matter intake, nutrient digestibility of some and the nitrogen balance values were recorded in the bucks fed 30%. It was concluded that DM intake, nutrient digestibility and nitrogen utilization of bucks can be enhanced by including 30% of sugar cane scrapping in their diets.

Dry matter intake, nutrient digestibility and nitrogen balance of WAD sheep fed ensiled maize stover and concentrate supplement

2020 ◽  
Vol 46 (2) ◽  
pp. 284-294
Author(s):  
A. J. Amuda ◽  
K. J. Onaleye ◽  
O. J. Babayemi
Keyword(s):  
Nitrogen Balance ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Nitrogen Retention ◽  
Nutrient Digestibility ◽  
West African ◽  
Dry Matter Intake ◽  
Crude Fibre ◽  
Maize Stover ◽  
West African Dwarf ◽  
Sheep Production

A study on effect of ensiled maize stover (EMS) and protein concentrate supplement (CS) on nutrient digestibility and nitrogen balance of ensiled maize stover (EMS) and concentrate supplement (CS) by West African Dwarf ewe was carried out. were showed Fifteen West African dwarf ewe with body weight of 14-16 kg allotted to individual metabolic cage in completely randomized design after preliminary feeding trial. The treatments were: A (75% EMS + 25% CS), B (50% EMS + 50% CS), C (25% EMS + 75% CS), D (100%EMS) and E (100% CS). The digestibility study lasted for seven days to determine dry matter digestibility, nutrients digestibility and nitrogen retention of WAD ewe fed ensiled maize stover and concentrate supplement. Results that dry matter intake (DMI), digestible crude protein (DCP), digestible crude fibre (DCF), digestible nitrogen free extract (DNFE), and total digestible nutrients (TDN) ranged from 321.65- 694.41gDM/day, 3.99 - 12.30%, 7.32 - 17.23%, 33.35 – 38.85% and 63.65 – 70.92%, respectively. Dry matter intake of ewe fed sole ensiled maize stover (diet D) was lowest (321.65gDM/day) while animals on diet C (25% EMS+75%CS) had the highest (694.41gDM/d). Apparent digestibility of CP was lowest (3.99%) in ewe fed sole EMS and highest (12.20%) in ewe fed diet C (25% EMS + 75% CS). Positive N-balance was observed for all the five diets, but it was highest (P< 0.05) in diet B (50%+50%) and lowest in diet D (100% EMS). Similarly, N-retention was highest (67.15%) in diet B and lowest (27.61%) in diet D. Therefore, diet made up of 50% ensiled maize stover and 50% concentrate is recommended for sheep production.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document