Sheep supplementation in the arid and semi-arid areas of northern Kenya

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of partial supplementation of 1.5 years old blackhead Persian sheep with hay, molasses and local salt (Chalbi salt). The nutritive values of hay, molasses and Chalbi salt were determined. The selected sheep were assigned to three treatments in a completely randomized design; 10 sheep were given to the farmer and were herded based on his management practice (denoted as treatment A), 10 were grazed for 5 h and later supplemented with 600 g of chopped hay mixed with molasses per sheep daily and Chalbi salt ad libitum (denoted as treatment B), 10 were introduced to a government research farm, Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO-Marsabit) flock and managed on the free range with no supplementation except Chalbi salt. They were also grazed for 8 h daily (denoted as treatment C). Feed resources for partial supplementation were analysed for proximate analysis, Van soest, in-vitro dry matter digestibility and mineral profiles. Molasses was spread on hay to increase palatability and intake. Chalbi salt was provided ad libitum to the supplemented group. All 30 sheep were weighed weekly. The data on sheep weights were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The mean sheep weight over the study period was higher among the supplemented group B (25.95 kg), followed by on-station research farm-managed group C (22.60 kg) and lastly farmer-managed group A (19.50 kg). Supplementation of sheep using local feed resources enhances weight gain and this is recommended, essentially in a weight-based marketing system. Keywords: Market, nutrients, sheep, supplement, weight.