The use of Balanites kernel cake in a diet for fattening sheep

Abstract

Balanites kernel cake (BKC) is produced from the fruit of Balanites aegyptiaca, a tree which is widely and densely distributed along the tropical belt of the African continent. The cake is characterized by high protein (36.8%) and low crude fibre (5.9%) contents. In this work the value of BKC as a source of crude protein in ruminant diets was compared with cotton seed cake (CSC), a conventional source of protein. Two groups of 10 and 11 lambs having an average liveweight of 20.5 ± 0.9 kg were used. For a 3-week preliminary period animals of both groups were fed ad libitum on a diet containing 30% CSC as a major source of protein. During the following 13 weeks the group of 10 lambs continued on the same diet, whereas the other group was fed ad libitum on a Balanites cake diet (20% BKC). All lambs were slaughtered at about 40 kg liveweight. No significant differences were detected between the two groups of lambs in feedlot performance or carcass analysis. It is concluded that BKC is non toxic to sheep and its addition at the rate of 20%, together with 10% straw, can replace 30% CSC in the diet. The Balanites cake diet was also found to be substantially cheaper.