Assessment of preference and intake of browse species by Yankasa sheep at Shika, Nigeria

Abstract

Two experiments involving different browse species were carried out during the early dry season in an area of subhumid Nigeria with adult Yankasa sheep. Experiment 1 involved preference studies of nine browse species offered simultaneously in different post-harvest treatments (fresh, wilted or dried state). Experiment 2 determined the short-term intake rate of top four browse species from Experiment 1 offered in two forms (unchopped versus chopped) as either fresh or sun-dried material. In Experiment 1, fresh material was most preferred, followed by wilted and sun-dried material. The overall order of preference of the first four browse species accepted by sheep were: Cajanus cajan, Gmelina arborea, Leucaena leucocephala and Adenodolichos paniculatus. Based on mean dietary preference across the three post-harvest treatments, Khaya senegalensis and Gliricidia sepuim were completely rejected by sheep. Experiment 2 mean dry matter (DM) intake rate was highest (34 g DM/kg LW 0.75 h −1) for L. leucocephala and least (6 g DM/kg LW 0.75 h −1) for A. paniculatus. Fresh material was consumed more readily than dried (24 versus 10 g DM/kg LW 0.75 h −1). Chopping of browse species before offering enhanced intake by around 60%. As the study period progressed, the consumption of fresh and chopped materials remained moderately consistent, while those of dried and unchopped materials in turn increased gradually. Results from Experiment 2 were in agreement with observations from Experiment 1, particularly in terms of order of preference of fresh materials, which matched animals’ relative short-term intake.