Abstract
Sheep fattening with Molasses-urea feed block (MUB) was undertaken in Adami Tulu Jido Kombolcha District at Aneno and Arba villages for 87 days during both dry (from 22 March to 17 June) and during wet season (from 19 August to 10 November, 2009). A study was conducted to determine the performance and profitability obtained from MUB supplemented grazing sheep. Molasses, urea, wheat bran, finely ground haricot bean haulm, salt, and bindinder (cement and termite mould) were used as ingredients to produce three different MUBs; Treatment two (T2), Treatment three (T3) and Treatment four (T4) with 17.72, 20.96 and 24.6% CP, respectively. Six sheep were randomly allotted to each of T1, T2, T3 and T4 during both dry and wet seasons at each village. Sheep in T4 had higher overall average daily weight gain (ADWG) (74.8 ± 11.13 g/head/day followed by T2, T3 and T1 (72.88 ± 9.27, 58.5 ± 12.98 and 33.67 ± 3.03) g/head/day, respectively. Over all total body weight gain (TBWG) of T4 was higher (6.26 ± 0.53) kg, followed by T2, T3 and T1 (6.13 ± 0.46, 4.92 ± 0.64 and 2.83 ± 0.39) kg, respectively. Differences (P<0.05) between control (T1) and T4; between T3 and T4, between T1 and T2, between T3 and T2 in overall ADWG and TBWG were significant (P<0.05) but differences between T1 and T3, between T2 and T4; not significant (P>0.05). ADWG (67.96 ± 10.31) g/head/day and TBWG (5.91 ± 0.87) kg of sheep at Aneno village was significantly (P<0.05) higher than the ADWG (51.79 ± 9.41) g/head /day and TBWG (4.51 ± 0.75) kg of sheep at Arba village. Significant difference (P<0.05) in ADWG and TBWG was observed between seasons with the higher gain during wet season ( 67.33 ± 11.43) g/head/day growth rate and 5.86 ± 0.43 kg total weight gain as compared to dry season ( 52.07 ± 8.3) g/head/day growth rate and 4.53 ± 0.39 kg total weight gain. The interaction of season by village was not significantly influenced both ADWG and TBWG of sheep. Marginal rate of return of T2 is higher (123.46) followed by T3.77.16) and T4 (65.64). From the biological and economic data analysis, we can conclude and recommend that MUB with 17.72% CP could be used as supplement for sheep fattening in mid rift valley of Ethiopia. Key words: Feed block, crude protein, weight gain, growth rate, return.
Highlights
INTRODUCTIONIn Ethiopia allocation of land for cultivation of plant legumes for animal feeding is given least priority among farmers because of population growth and land scarcity
In Ethiopia allocation of land for cultivation of plant legumes for animal feeding is given least priority among farmers because of population growth and land scarcity.Shrinkage of grazing land due to cultivation, low protein and high fiber content of natural pastures and crop residues results in low nutrient availability, low Digestibili-J
The availability of good grazing feed resource during wet season highly reduced intake of Molasses-urea feed block (MUB) which agree with the report of Habib (2007)
Summary
In Ethiopia allocation of land for cultivation of plant legumes for animal feeding is given least priority among farmers because of population growth and land scarcity. Molasses-urea block is the most successful supplements enhance rumen microbial growth and voluntary feed intake of animals fed low quality roughages (FAO, 2007; Adugna et al, 2000). Adami Tulu Jido Kombolcha district is near to the towns Modjo and Adama where molassesurea block ingredients can be obtained, which is an additional advantage for farmers and cottage feed industry to manufacture MUB for ruminants.
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