Use of a novel fodder herb, Commelina species, in Black Head Ogaden lambs: nutrient utilization, weight gain performance, and economic viability

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study was carried out to determine the effects of supplementing Commelina forage species on nutrient uptake, weight gain, and economic viability in Black Head Ogaden lambs. Twenty yearling lambs were used in four treatments with five replicates in randomized complete block design. The treatments included Teff straw + 120 g dried Moringa stenopetala leaves (DMSL) for treatment 1 (T1), Teff straw + 120 g DMSL + 300 g C.benghalensis (T2), Teff straw + 120 g DMSL + 300 g C.imberbis (T3) and Teff straw + 120 g DMSL + 300 g concentrate (T4). A 60-day feeding trial was followed by a 10-day digestibility investigation. The study used SAS 9.0 for data analysis; the Duncan multiple range test for mean separation and partial budget analysis for financially feasibility testing. With better responses in T4 followed by T3, T2, and T1, supplementation significantly improved total DM, nutritional intakes, and apparent digestibility (P < 0.001). The two Commelina species and conventional concentrate-supplemented treatments resulted in average daily weight gains of 47.58 and 72.69 g, respectively but the former treatments produced higher marginal returns (2.02) than the later ones (0.22). With promising profit, Commelina species could be used as a supplement to improve the animals’ nutrient uptake and growth efficiency.