Abstract
This study compared the feed intake and performance of Yankasa sheep fed Congo grass (Brachiaria ruziziensis) basal diet with different protein supplements of Cotton Seed Cake (CSC), Palm Kernel Cake (PKC), Brewer's Dried Grain (BDG) and sole B. ruziziensis grass (control). Sixteen (16) Yankasa sheep weighing between 18.5 and 21.5kg and aged 9-12 months were randomly allotted to treatment diets. The total dry matter and crude protein intake were highest (P<0.05) in animals on CSC supplement (996.33 & 118.56g) while the control diet had the least feed intake (796.4 & 57.90g). The total live weight gain (TLWG) increased (P<0.05) from 0.91kg in animals fed Congo grass grass solely (control) to 2.50kg in those fed Cotton Seed Cake, while feed conversion ratio reduced from 52.50 in Congo grass to 29.15 in CSC treatment. It is concluded from this experiment that Yankasa sheep utilized CSC better than PKC, BDG and Brachiaria ruziziensis (control). It is therefore recommended that Brachiaria ruziziensis should be supplemented with Cotton Seed Cake at a rate of 250g/d for better intake and live weight in Yankasa sheep production.
Published Version
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