Noug Seed Cake Research Articles

Replacing Noug Seed Cake with Alfalfa Hay in the Diet of Yearling Arsi-Bale Sheep

Replacing Noug Seed Cake with Alfalfa Hay in the Diet of Yearling Arsi-Bale Sheep

Research Note: Effects of partial replacement of noug seed (Guizotia abyssinica) cake with maggot meal in dual-purpose chicken

The aim of this trial was to evaluate the effect of partial replacement of noug seed cake (NSC) with housefly maggot meal (HFLM) on the growth performance, complete blood count, carcass traits, and gizzard erosion. A total of 120 twenty-seven-day-old Sasso chickens were divided into 4 groups in a completely randomized design. Four diets were prepared to replace NSC with HFLM at the rate of 0%, 20%, 40%, and 60%, labeled as C, T1, T2, and T3, respectively. During the 28-d trial, the chickens were provided feed and water ad libitum. Average daily feed intake (ADFI), final body weight (FBW), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were not affected by increasing the dietary level of HFLM (P > 0.05). However, there was a difference (P < 0.05) in body weight gain (BWG) between the control and treatment groups, in which a higher BWG was achieved in T1. In this trial, the crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), and gross energy (GE) in HFLM were 34.06%, 26.85%, and 3871 (kcal/kg), respectively. Blood indices including white blood cells, granulocytes, red blood cells, hemoglobin, and hematocrit were higher in treatment diets (P < 0.05) than in the control diets. No negative effects (P > 0.05) on carcass characteristics were found between the treated and control groups. Furthermore, no discrepancy (P > 0.05) in liver color scores and mortality rate were observed between the control and treatment diets. Surprisingly, feeding HFLM resulted in higher gizzard erosion scores (P < 0.05) in the group fed 40% HFLM. Overall, replacement of NSC at the rate of 20% HFLM in dual-purpose chicken feed produced higher BWG with no gizzard erosion and mortality.

Effects of substituting noug seed cake with pigeon pea leaves or desmodium hay on performance of male dairy calves

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of substituting 50% of noug seed cake (NSC) in a concentrate mixture with pigeon pea leaves (PPL) or desmodium hay (DH) on feed intake, digestibility, body weight gain, carcass composition, and meat quality of crossbred male dairy calves. Twenty-seven male dairy calves at 7-8months of age with an average initial body weight of 150 ± 31kg (mean ± SD) were assigned to 3 treatments in a randomized complete block design with 9 replications. Calves were blocked based on their initial body weight and assigned to the 3 treatments. All calves were fed native pasture hay ad libitum (at ⁓10% refusal) supplemented with a concentrate containing 24% NSC (treatment 1) or supplemented with a concentrate where 50% of NSC was replaced with PPL (treatment 2) or a concentrate where 50% of NSC was replaced with DH (treatment 3). Feed and nutrient intake, apparent nutrient digestibility, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, carcass composition, and meat quality (except texture) were similar (P > 0.05) among treatments. Treatments 2 and 3 had more (P < 0.05) tender loin and rib meat than treatment 1. It can be concluded that 50% of NSC in the concentrate mixture can be replaced with either PPL or DH in growing male crossbred dairy calves to achieve similar growth performance and carcass characteristics. Since the substitution of 50% NSC either with PPL or DH resulted in similar outcomes in almost all responses measured, it is recommended to evaluate the complete substitution of NSC either with PPL or DH on the performance of calves.

Supplementary effects of Noug Seed (Guizotia abyssinica) Cake with Sesbania (Sesbania sesban) Leaves on Feed Intake, Digestibility and Enteric Methane Emission in Arsi-Bale Sheep

An experiment was conducted to study the effects of feeding the mixture S. sesban (Sesbania sesban) leaves, noug seed cake, and hay on feed intake, digestibility, and estimating enteric methane emission of Arsi-Bale sheep. The experiment was done having the nine-adult sheep of initial body weight 26.7 (±0. 14) kg. The experiment consisted of 7 days of digestibility and 90 days of feeding trials. The experiment employed a 3 x 3 cross over design with three treatments and three periods. There were three treatments including S. sesban leaves alone (T1), 27.6% S. sesban leaves + 27.6% hay +44.8% Noug seed cake (NSC) (T2) and 38.6% + 61.4% NSC (T3). Total dry matter intake (DMI) was higher (P&lt;0.001) for sheep feed in 27.6% + 27.6% hay + 44.8% NSC (706.9g/day) compared to the rest of the treatments. However, the effect of S. sesban leaves alone decrease the total DMI. Digestibility of DM, OM, CP (P&lt;0.01), NDF, and ADF were higher (P&lt;0.05) between the treatments. Average daily gain (ADG) was higher (P&lt;0.01) for sheep in feed 27.6% S.sesban leaves + 27.6% hay + 44.8% than those in feed S. sesban leaves alone. Increased level of S. sesban leaves supplement, in general, reduced growth in this study. However, there was no difference between 27.6% S.sesban leaves + 27.6% hay + 44.8% and 38.6% hay + 61.4% NSC. Estimation of enteric methane emissions factor and daily methane production was higher (P&lt;0.01) in treatments T2 as compared to T3 and T1. And also, T3 higher than T1. Thus, it can be concluded that S. sesban leaves can be promoted as valuable feed resources for ruminants while concurrently reducing methane emissions.

Supplementation of Mulberry (Morus indica) and Vernonia (V. amygdalina) leaves as protein source on morphometric measurement, weight change, and carcass characteristics of sheep

Back groundProtein source supplement such as noug seed cake (NSC) has a greater cost. To overcome the problems associated with the shortage of protein source supplements, there is a need to look for options of protein source feeds preferably cheap, locally available, and easily accessible by farmers. In this regard, browse tree species such as mulberry (Morus indica) and Vernonia amygdalina represents a valuable option to overcome such problem.MethodsWe evaluated the feed intake, morphometric measurements, weight change, and carcass parameters of 25 male sheep, with initially weighed 20.8 ± 1.7 kg, supplemented for 90 days of experimental period. The treatments (diets) were the replacement of the protein in the NSC with iso-nitrogenous at (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100%) of mulberry and Vernonia mixed leaves meal. The sheep were given a basal diet of Rhodes grass hay, supplemented with 400.0 (D1), 429.8 (D2), 459.5 (D3), 489.3 (D4), and 519.0 (D5) g day− 1. The design was randomized complete block design (RCBD) with five animals in each treatment and replication.ResultsThe total DM intake (g day− 1) was significantly higher in D3 (771.4) than in D1 (722.8) and D5 (642.8) but similar to D2 (754.9) and D4 (759.7). Chest-depth and hip-width were significantly influenced by the diets. The average daily gain of sheep in D1 (87.7), D2 (82.0), D3 (83.4), and D4 (75.2) were significantly higher than in D5 (56.0 g day− 1). The hot carcass weight of sheep fed D1 (14.1), D2 (13.7), D3 (12.7), and D4 (12.8) were significantly higher than sheep fed D5 (10.9 kg). Likewise, dressing percentage of sheep for D1 to D4 were higher than D5.ConclusionThe results of the present investigation confirm that replacement of noug seed cake with mulberry and Vernonia mixed leaves meal up to 75% (25% NSC + 75% mulberry and Vernonia mixed leaves) achieved comparable result with concentrate mix in weight gain and carcass yield.

Acacia nilotica leaf meal - potential supplement to 25% dorper crosses of local sheep fed a basal diet of natural pasture hay

This research was conducted to evaluate the replacement potential of Acacia nilotica dried leaf meal for Noug Seed Cake (NSC) to supplement low quality grass hay in the diet of crossbred sheep (25% Dorper). In doing so, four treatments were set up in such a way that 0%, 33%, 67%, and 100% NSC is replaced with dried leaf of Acacia nilotica from a conventional supplement while the treatments were kept isonitrogenous. The experiment was set up in a Randomized Complete Block Design, with initials weight used as the blocking factor. Twenty animals were allocated to the four treatments. The experiment consisted of hundred days of feeding trial followed by evaluation of carcass components at the end. In addition, the experimental feed ingredient was studied in vitro for gas production, methane (CH4) production, fractional rate of degradation (Kd), and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD). In view of chemical composition, grass hay contained lower crude protein (CP = 3.2% DM) and high cell wall contents that makes it lower quality feed. On the other hand, Acacianilotica leaf meal was moderate in quality (CP = 14.3% DM) that can support moderate level of ruminant production. In an in vitro study, Acacia nilotica was found to have lower (P < 0.01) levels of CH4, total gas, kd, and IVDMD compared to the other feed ingredients. This indicates that tannin have an effect on Acacia nilotica feed. Partial and complete replacement of NSC with Acacia nilotica leaf meal significantly increased total dry matter intake (TDMI) (P < 0.001). Average daily gain (ADG) and dressing percentage was also higher for leaf meal supplemented groups. Hot carcass weight was in the range of 14.8–17.8 kg, which is higher than the national average carcass weight for Ethiopian sheep, and it was also found to be higher when NSC was partially (33%) as well as completely replaced by the leaf meal. In general, NSC can be replaced either partially or completely with Acacianilotica leaf meal in the diet of 25% Dorper crosses while weight gain as well as carcass yield is promoted. The maximum inclusion level of Acacia nilotica was 61.3% or 319.2 g per day for 25% Dorper cross sheep fed natural pasture hay as a basal diet.

Performance of blackhead Ogaden sheep fed different grasses (Chloris gayana, Pennisetum purpureum, Panicum maximum and Cynodon dactylon) basal diets and the same concentrate mixture

A study was conducted to determine the effect of feeding Rhodes grass (RG; Chloris gayana) as treatment 1 (T1), elephant grass (EG; Pennisetum purpureum as T2), guinea grass (GG; Panicum maximum as T3) and bermuda grass (BG; Cynodon dactylon as T4) supplemented with a similar amount of concentrate mixture (CM; wheat bran (WB) and Noug seed cake (NSC) at 67:33 ratio) on performance and economy of fattening of Blackhead Ogaden sheep. The study consisted of a feeding and digestibility trials of 90 and 7 days long, respectively. Twenty-four intact yearling Blackhead Ogaden sheep with an initial body weight (BW) of 15.83±0.04 kg (mean±SD) were used in a randomized complete block design based on their initial BW with four treatments and six replications. All animals received 300 g dry matter (DM) of CM. Nutrient concentration of RG, EG, GG, BG, NSC and WB were 5.5, 8.8, 7.6, 7.9, 24.3 and 14.0% crude protein (CP), and 83.3, 74.5, 75.4, 81.5, 39.0 and 45% neutral detergent fiber, respectively on DM basis. Intake of DM was 696, 700, 719 and 716 g/day (SEM = 0.004) for T1, T2, T3 and T4, respectively and was lowest for T1 and highest for T3. The CP intake was also lowest for T1 (89 g/day), and similar among the other 3 treatments (99-103 g/day). Digestibility of CP and organic matter were highest for T2, intermediate for T3 and T4 and lowest for T1. Average daily gain was in the order of T2 &gt; T3 = T4 &gt; T1 (27, 63, 50 and 45 g/day (SEM = 13.1) for T1, T2, T3 and T4, respectively); whereas hot carcass weight did not significantly differ among treatments (5.7, 6.4, 6.1 and 6.3 kg (SEM = 0.36) for T1, T2, T3 and T4, respectively). Total return, net income and marginal rate of return were all in the order of T2 &gt; T4 &gt; T3 &gt; T1. Therefore, based on biological performance as well as economic return, sheep fed elephant grass perform better. However, variations in performance and economic return among the four grass species needs to be taken cautiously as part of the difference might have attributed to differences in the stage of maturity of the grasses up on harvest for feeding the lambs. Keywords: Blackhead Ogaden sheep, Digestibility, Feed intake, Performance, Weight gain.

EFFECTS OF LENTIL (Lens culinaris) SCREENING AS A REPLACEMENT FOR NOUG SEED CAKE (Guizotia abyssinica) ON THE DIETS OF GROWING FARTA LAMBS IN ETHIOPIA

A study was performed with the objective to assess nutrient biological performance and assess economic feasibility of Farta lambs fed wheat straw (WS) as a basal feed and supplemented with lentil screening (LS) in replacement for noug seed cake (NSC). The experimental sheep were blocked into five based on their initial body weight and randomly assigned to treatment diets within each block. The experimental design used for this study was randomized complete block design (RCBD) with five replications. Result indicated %CP contents of experimental feeds were 26.13, 25.00 and 5.66 for lentil screening, NSC and WS, respectively. There was significant difference in WS DM intake (p&lt;0.05) in all treatment groups. The supplement DM intake increased significantly (p&lt;0.001) as lentil screening level increased from 0, 29.4, 55.4, 78.8, and 100% from (T1-T5), respectively. Total DM intake was significantly different (p&lt;0.01) among all treatment groups but CP intake was not significantly different among treatments (p&gt;0.05). Average daily body weight gain (ADG) and feed conversion efficiency (FCE) were significantly different (p&lt;0.01) among treatment groups. Among treatment groups, T5 had higher (p&lt;0.01) daily body weight gain (76.44 g/d) as compared to T4 (72.1 g/d), T3 (69.8 g/d), T2 (62.89 g/d), T1 (58.28 g/d). T5 returned a higher net income (110.94 Ethiopian Birr (EB)/sheep) as compared to the other treatment groups. From biological performance and economic return T5 could be recommended as an alternative supplement for growing Farta sheep both in biological performance and better economic gain.

Effects of Inclusion of Different Levels of Ethiopian Thyme (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Thymus schimperi&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Ronniger) as Natural Additive on Chemical Composition and &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;In Sacco&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Dry Matter Degradability of Total Mixed Ration and Feed Ingredients

This study evaluated the effects of the inclusion of Ethiopian thyme (Thymus schimperi Ronninger) to natural pasture hay (NPH), noug seed cake (NSC), wheat bran (WB) and total mixed ration (TMR) on the chemical composition and in Sacco dry matter (DM) degradability of the feeds. The Thyme plant used for the study was collected from Dinsho and Tarmaber districts in the highlands of Ethiopia. Samples of the TMR and NPH, WB and NSC with or without thyme were divided into two parts and ground to pass through 1 mm screen for chemical analysis and 2 mm screen for in sacco DM degradability. The TMR contained 50% NPH, 32.5% WB, 14% NSC, 3% molasses and 0.5% common salt. The feed ingredients (NPH, WB and NSC) and the TMR were incubated without thyme or with thyme substituting the diet at 8%, 16% and 24% levels of treatments. The chemical composition of all the feeds differed significantly (P In sacco rumen dry matter degradability of NPH, WB, NSC and TMR was increased (P in sacco DM degradability of NPH at all incubation hours was higher (P Thymus schimperi plant up to a level of 24% DM in feed can reasonably stimulate the growth and activity of the certain rumen microbes that promoted an improvement in ruminal DM degradability of the diet with the thyme inclusion.

Appraisal of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) hay as a replacement for noug seed (Guizotia abissynica) cake in the ration of Gumuz lambs in Ethiopia.

BackgroundThe objective of this study was to evaluate the replacement value of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) hay for noug seed (Guizotia abissynica) cake on dry matter (DM) and nutrient intake, nutrient digestibility, body weight change, carcass characteristics and economic feasibility of the feeding regime of Gumuz lambs.MethodsThe study was conducted using 25 yearling intact male lambs with an initial body weight of 18.26 ± 0.63 kg (mean ± SD).The lambs were assigned into five treatments: (T1) 272.3 g noug seed cake (NSC); (T2) 200.73 g NSC + 105.55 g cowpea Sewinet variety hay (CSH); (T3) 134.3 g NSC + 211.86 g CSH; (T4) 66.31 g NSC + 313.79 g CSH and (T5) 417.98 g CSH on DM basis. The experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design (RCBD), and lambs were blocked based on their initial body weight. The feeding trial was conducted for 90 days followed by 7 days of digestibility trial. Natural pasture hay was treated with molasses solution for improvement of palatability and digestibility and offered for all experimental lambs in ad libitum.ResultsThe crude protein (CP) contents of natural pasture hay (NPH), CSH and NSC were 4.99, 18.31 and 36.5%, respectively. The total DM intakes of lambs (P < 0.05) increased at higher levels of CSH supplementation. The CP intake decreased with increasing levels of CSH supplementation. Digestibility of DM, organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) was improved by a higher level of CSH supplementation but CP digestibility was not affected by supplementation of CSH. The average daily gain (ADG) showed significant difference (P < 0.05) among treatments. Similarly, the feed conversion efficiency (FCE) was significantly different (P < 0.05) among treatments; higher FCE was recorded at T1 but lower was at T3 and T4. The hot carcass weight (HCW) showed significant difference (P < 0.05) among treatments; higher value was observed in T5 (9.36 kg), but the smallest value was recorded for lambs on the T3 (7.36 kg). The higher dressing percentage (DP) on empty body weight basis was recorded in three treatment (T1 = T4 = T5) groups compared with (T2 > T3) treatments. Significantly higher (P < 0.05) rib‐eye area was achieved at a high level of CSH and sole NSC supplemented lambs. The economic feasibility showed that the highest profit was achieved in T5.ConclusionFrom the present study, it was concluded that CSH could be used for supplementation of protein source feed for body weight gain for Gumuz lambs by replacing high‐cost concentrates in a native hay‐based basal diet. As a final point, CSH supplementation was recommended as replacement of NSC at 417.98 g CSH (T5) for better biological performance as well as economic value.

Evaluation of Substitution of Noug Seed Cake with Pigeon Pea Dried Leaves as a Supplement Feed in Fattening Oxen Based on Teff Straw Basal Diet at Haik Agricultural Research Sub-Center, Ethiopia

The experiment was conducted to evaluate substitution of noug seed cake with dried pigeon pea leaves on feed intake and weight gain of local old oxen. A total of 25 local old oxen (Bos indicus) with 7-8 years old and an initial mean body weight of 300.2±19.25 kg (mean±SD) were used for the study. The experiment was carried out for 105 days including 15 days of acclimatization period. The design employed for this experiment was randomized complete block design with five replications. The dietary treatments were T1= Teff straw ad libtum +Wheat bran + Pigeon pea (25%)+ Noug seed cake(75%) ; T2= Teff straw ad libtum + Wheat bran + Pigeon pea (50%)+ Noug seed cake (50%); T3=Teff straw ad libtum + Wheat bran + Pigeon pea (75%)+ Noug seed cake(25%); T4= Teff straw ad libtum + Wheat bran +Pigeon pea (100%); T5= Teff straw ad libtum +Wheat bran + Noug seed cake (100%). The result showed that crude protein content of Pigeon pea dried leaves (24.47%), noug seed cake (31.92%) and wheat bran (15.98%) can satisfy ruminant production requirement. Total dry matter, teff straw and nutrient intake were statically highly significant (P&lt;0.01, P&lt;0.001, P&lt;0.001) respectively between treatment groups but supplement intake was not statically significant (P&gt;0.05) among treatment groups. The average total DM intakes of all treatment groups were ranged from 7.29 to 8.09 kg/d/head. There were no significant differences(P&gt;0.05) in initial body weight gain, final body weight gain, total body weight gain and average daily body weight gain among different combinations of treatment groups. The average daily weight gain (675.56 g), gross benefit (2159.96 ETB) and marginal revenue 1.11ETB of treatment 2 was higher than other treatment groups. Therefore, it is recommended that fattening of old local oxen using supplement combination levels of teff straw+ wheat bran+ 50%pigeon pea+ 50% noug cake resulted better body weight gain and good benefit. Keywords : Body weight gain; Fattening; Noug seed cake; Old oxen; Pigeon pea DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/11-2-01 Publication date: January 31 st 2021

&lt;i&gt;Acacia nilotica&lt;/i&gt; Leaf Meal - Potential Supplement to 25% Dorper Crosses of Local Sheep Fed a Basal Diet of Natural Pasture Hay

This research was undertaken to evaluate the replacement potential of dried leaf meal of Acacia nilotica for noug seed cake (NSC) to supplement the low quality grass hay in the diet of crossbred (25% Dorper) sheep. In doing so, four treatments were set up in such a way that 0% (T1), 33% (T2), 67% (T3), and 100% (T4) NSC is replaced with dried leaf of Acacia nilotica from a conventional supplement while the treatments were kept isonitrogenous. The experiment was arranged in Randomized Complete Block Design where twenty animals were allocated to the four treatments. The experiment consisted of hundred days of feeding trial followed by evaluation of carcass components at the end. In view of chemical composition, grass hay contained lower crude protein (CP) and high cell wall contents that makes it lower quality feed. On the other hand, Acacia nilotica leaf meal was moderate in quality that can support moderate level of ruminant production. The maximum inclusion level of Acacia nilotica was 61.3% or 319.2 gram per day for 25% Dorper cross sheep fed natural pasture hay as a basal diet. Partial and complete replacement of NSC with Acacia nilotica leaf meal significantly increased TDMI (P < 0.001) and as a result average daily gain was higher for leaf meal supplemented groups. Dressing percentage was also tended to be greater for treatments where NSC was replaced by Acacia nilotica leaf meal. Hot carcass weight was in the range of 14.8 to 17.8kg which is higher than the national average carcass weight for Ethiopian sheep and it was also found to be higher when NSC was partially (33%) as well as completely replaced by the leaf meal. In general, NSC can be replaced either partially or completely with Acacia nilotica leaf meal in the diet of 25% dorper crosses while weight gain as well as carcass yield is promoted.

Replacement of Concentrate Mix with Improved Forages for Afar Goats under Semi Intensive Production System Meet to Export Market Weight

The experiment was conducted with the objective of to evaluate the comparative feeding value of improved forages as a replacement of concentrate mix with its economic benefits on feed intake, body weight gain and carcass parameters of Afar goats. Twenty-five yearling intact male Afar goats with initial mean body weight of 15.05±1.25 (mean ± SD) were used for the experiment in randomized complete block design. The experimental animals were grouped in to five blocks of five animals based on their initial body weight and each animal within each block was randomly assigned to one of the five treatment diets. Treatments were grazing (Ad libitum) + 100% concentrate mix (wheat bran and noug seed cake) (T1), grazing (Ad libitum) + 100 % mixed forage (Rhodes and cowpea) (T2), grazing (Ad libitum) + 50 % mixed forage (Rhodes and cowpea) + 50% concentrate mix (T3), grazing (Ad libitum) + 25 % mixed forage (Rhodes and cowpea) + 75% concentrate mix (T4), and grazing (Ad libitum) + 75 % mixed forage (Rhodes and cowpea) + 25% concentrate mix (T5). The experiment was consisted of feeding trial followed by carcass evaluation. The supplement given at the rate of 300gDM/head/day. Water and mineralized salt block were available free of choice. The concentrate mix was 2:1 (wheat bran and Noug seed cake. The CP content of the NSC (Noug seed cake), WB (wheat bran), cowpea and Rhodes grass were 31.3, 17.4, 16.9 and 8.6 %, respectively. Organic matter and basal intake were not significant difference (P&gt;0.05) among the treatments, while intake of supplement was slightly higher (P&lt;0.05) for T1, T4, T3, than T5 and T2 respectively. Average daily gain in was higher 110g/d (T4). Hot carcass weight was slightly higher (P&lt;0.05) for T4 10.82 kg. The use of sole cowpea and Rhodes grass mix instead of concentrate mix was reduces feed cost and increase net return. Mixture of cowpea and Rhodes grass as sole supplement is relatively comparable to the supplementary value of concentrate mixture to improve Afar goat performance but forage mix was required higher (p&lt;0.05) feed to bring the same weight to other concentrate contained treatment diets.

English

This study was aimed to evaluate the effect of flushing on the reproductive and body weight change on Abergelle breed does. The study indicated that a mix of 300 or 450 g wheat bran (WB) with 50 g noug seed cake (NSC) flushed per day improved the does&rsquo; conception rate (70 to 80%) and kidding rate (70%); while does flushed with low concentrate level (150 g WB plus 50 g NSC) or those not flushed had poor and reduced conception and kidding rate almost by half from the flushed ones. However, the high concentrate level is not strategic to reduce abortion rate. Does flushed with high concentrate level (300 and 450 g WB mix with 50 g NSC) were significantly (p&lt;0.05) better in body weight at kidding (18.52 kg) and postpartum weight (19.48 kg) than does flushed with low concentrate level (16.44 and 17.70 kg, respectively). As the concentrate levels supplementation of their dam increased, birth weight of kids increased (1.73 to 2.36 kg). Therefore, the conception rate, postpartum weight, kid production of Abergelle goat can improve by flushing with 300 g WB and 50 g NSC concentrated feed. However, its effect on the reduction of abortion rate is not promising. Further study is needed on the abortion problem. Key words: Abortion rate, birth weight, body weight, conception rate, concentrated feed, goat, kidding rate, supplementation. &nbsp

Evaluation of untreated and urea molasses-treated finger millet (Eleusine coracana) straw and lowland bamboo (Oxytenanthera abyssinica) leaf hay on nutritive values and the performance of Gumuz sheep in Ethiopia.

The experiment was conducted to evaluate effects of untreated and urea molasses-treated finger millet straw and lowland bamboo leaf hay feeding on nutrient utilization, growth and carcass characteristics of Gumuz sheep. Twenty yearling intact male sheep with initial body weight of 21.6 ± 1.31kg (mean ± SD) were purchased from local market and were used for 7- and 90-day digestibility and feeding trials, respectively. The sheep were grouped into five blocks of four animals and randomly assigned to four dietary treatments. The treatment diets were untreated finger millet straw (UFMS) + 150g wheat bran (WB) and noug seed cake (NSC) mixture (T1), untreated lowland bamboo leaf hay (ULBLH) + 150g WB and NSC mixture (T2), urea molasses (UM)-treated finger millet straw (TFMS) + 150g WB and NSC (T3), and UM-treated lowland bamboo leaf hay (TLBLH) + 150g WB and NSC mixture (T4). Water and salt were given freely throughout the experimental period. Data were analyzed using ANOVA procedure of SAS software. The result of the experiment indicated that better CP was recorded in T4 (21.8%) than other treatments. The total DM intake of sheep was significantly (p < 0.001) higher for T2 = T4 > T3 > T1. Significantly higher (p < 0.001) CP intake was recorded in T4 than T3. Similarly, significantly higher CP digestibility was recorded in groups assigned in T4 than other treatments. UM treatment significantly improved (p < 0.05) the FMS than LBL in most of nutrients. Moreover, significantly (p < 0.001) higher ADG was recorded for T2 and T4 than T3; treatment on FMS did not show significant (p > 0.05) effect. T4 and T3 were similar and significantly higher in most of the carcass parameters except in hot carcass weight. In conclusion, UM treatment could be taken as an option to improve nutritive value of locally available lowland bamboo leaf hay and finger millet straw.

Comparative evaluation of effective microbe- and urea molasses-treated finger millet (Eleusine coracana) straw on nutritive values and growth performance of Washera sheep in northwestern Ethiopia.

An experiment was carried out to comparatively evaluate the effect of effective microbe (EM)- and urea molasses (UM)-treated finger millet straw (EMTFMS and UMTFMS, respectively) on nutrient utilization and growth performance of Washera lambs. Twenty yearling intact male Washera lambs with an initial body weight of 21.13 ± 1.77kg (mean ± SE) were used for feeding and digestibility trial. These lambs were grouped into five blocks of four animals and randomly assigned to four dietary treatments. The four experimental feeds were untreated finger millet straw (control) + 150g wheat bran (WB) (T1), untreated finger millet straw + 150g WB + 150g Noug seed cake (NSC) (T2), UMTFMS + 150g WB + 150g NSC (T3), and EMTFMS + 150g WB + 150g NSC (T4). The lambs were de-wormed and vaccinated against ecto- and endo-parasites. Data were analyzed using ANOVA procedure of SAS. Results showed that crude protein (CP) content of finger millet straw (FMS) was improved from 2.13 to 9.7% in UM treatment and 2.13 to 2.39% in EM treatments. Total DM, CP, and OM intake were higher in lambs assigned in UMTFMS (P < 0.01) and EMTFMS (P < 0.01) than the control groups and significantly highest (P < 0.01) in UMTFMS. A non-significant (P > 0.05) difference was observed between treatment technologies in all nutrient apparent digestibility and average daily weight gain. Therefore, it can be concluded that both treatments could serve as an alternative measure to improve nutritive value of finger millet straw, but due to environmental effect, EM treatment could be safe.

Feeding Value of Maize Stover Treated with Urea or Urea Molasses for Hararghe Highland Sheep

Introduction:The present trial was designed to investigate the effect of urea or urea molasses treatment of maize stover (MS) on feed intake, nutrient digestibility and profitability of sheep. Twenty yearling male lambs of Hararghe Highland breed at the initial body weight of 15.4 ± 0.57 (mean ± SD) kg.Experiment:The experimental animals were sorted into five blocks based on the initial weight and assigned randomly to four treatments; namely, untreated maize stover ad libitum (T1); urea treated maize stover (UTMS) ad libitum (T2); urea-molasses treated maize stover (UMTMS) ad libitum (T3); all of which were supplemented with 300g concentrate mix of wheat bran (WB) and noug seed cake (NSC) at the ratio of 2:1 and only urea-molasses treated maize stover ad libitum (T4). Feeding trial was carried out for ninety days and digestibility trial for seven days following 3 days of adaptation to the metabolic cage and carrying the fecal collection bag.Results:The result depicted that the content of crude protein (CP) is 5.9, 8, 10, 30.1, and 17.2%, for MS, UTMS, UMTMS, NSC and WB respectively. Total DM intake was higher for T2 (700.7 g/day) and T3 (770.9 g/day) than sheep fed T1 (538.28 g/day) and T4 (481.4 g/day). Apparent DM and CP digestibility were higher for T2 and T3 than T1 and T4. Hence, urea or urea-molasses treated maize stover with concentrate supplement had a good impact on feed intake and digestibility. Conversely, urea-molasses treated maize stover alone failed to improve the feeding value of MS. Therefore, MS treatment with urea and urea-molasses with energy and protein source of supplement has a desirable alternative in enhancing the utilization of maize stover.

English

A study was conducted to determine effect of supplementation with isonitrogenous level of concentrate mixture (CM; 33% noug seed cake (NSC) and 67% wheat bran (WB)), alfalfa, lablab, and Leucaena leucocephala (LL) on feed intake, digestibility, daily body weight gain (ADG) and net return of sheep kept on Rhodes grass hay (RGH) basal diet. Twenty four yearling male Dorper&times;Afar F1 crossbred sheep were used in completely randomized block design blocked by initial body weight into 6 blocks of 4 animals and allocated to one of the treatments. Treatments were RGH fed ad libitum to all treatments plus 300 g/day CM (T1), 286 g/day alfalfa hay (T2), 326 g/day lablab hay (T3) and 299 g/day LL hay (T4). The study contained 90 days feeding and 7 days digestibility trials. The CP, NDF and ADF contents of RGH was 11, 77 and 51%, respectively. The CP contents of NSC, WB, alfalfa, lablab and LL were 32, 17, 23, 20 and 22%, respectively. Among the supplements alfalfa and lablab had relatively higher NDF and ADF levels. Total DM intake differed among treatments and was greater (P&lt;0.05) for T2 and T4 than T3, and values for T4 was greater than T1 (P&lt;0.001) (715, 727, 682 and 809 g/day for T1, T2, T3 and T4, respectively). The CP intake was 103, 110, 92, 130 (SEM = 5.83) and was in the order of T4 &gt; T1 = T2 &gt; T3 (P&lt;0.05). Apparent DM digestibility ranged from 62-66% and was lower (P&lt;0.05) for T2 than T1 and T4, while values for T3 was similar (P&gt;0.05) with all other treatments. The apparent digestibility of CP was greater for T1 than T2 and T3, but values for T4 was similar with the other treatments (82.3, 78.7, 78.3 and 80.4 (SEM = 0.02) for T1, T2, T3 and T4, respectively). ADG was 65, 45, 40 and 69 g/day (SEM = 8.36) for T1, T2, T3 and T4, respectively and the values were greater (P&lt;0.05) for T1 and T4 as compared to the other two treatments, while other mean values were similar (P&gt;0.05). The net return in the currents study was 836, 797, 888 and 982 ETB. Thus, based on biological performance and net return, T4 and T1 outweighs other treatments. However, all supplements used in this study induced favorable ADG and thus can be employed in feeding systems depending on their availability and relative cost. Key words: Isonitrogenous, crossbred, digestibility, ADG, RGH, DM, SEM.

English

The study was conducted at Abergelle Agricultural Research Center, Ethiopia using 24 yearling intact male Abergelle sheep with initial body weight of 17.52 &plusmn; 1.13 kg. The objectives were to evaluate substitution of dried mulberry (Morus indica L.) leaf meal (DMLM) for concentrate mix (CM) on feed intake, digestibility, body weight gain and carcass characteristics, and to determine cost benefit analysis of the supplementary regimes. The study comprised 90 days of feeding trial, 7 days of digestibility trial and carcass evaluation at the end. Six sheep were randomly assigned to each treatment using randomized complete block design. The treatments included feeding of ad libitum natural grass hay and supplementation with 100% CM (T1); 75% CM + 25% DMLM (T2); 50% CM + 50% DMLM (T3) and 25% CM + 75% DMLM (T4) on DM basis. The supplements were prepared iso-nitrogenous and they were offered to meet daily CP requirements of 80.4, 95.7 and 108 g for rams with body weight of 15, 20 and 25 kg, respectively. At beginning of experiment, amount of supplements provided were 439.49, 440.51, 440.75 and 440.50 g on DM basis for T1, T2, T3 and T4, respectively. The CM contained noug seed cake (NSC) and wheat bran (WB) at ratio of 19.28: 80.72, 14.14: 60.86, 9.04: 40.96 and 3.92: 21.08 for T1, T2, T3 and T4, respectively. The CP content of grass hay, WB, NSC and DMLM were 7.20, 16.80, 33.40 and 20.20%, respectively. The OM, CP, NDF, ADF and ADL intakes and digestibilities were similar among treatments but, hay and total DM intakes as well as DM digestibility were significantly higher (p&lt;0.05) in T3 than T1. Calculated ME was greater (p&lt;0.01) in T3 and T2 than T4 but similar in T1, T2 and T3. There was no significant differences among treatments for feed conversion efficiency, final body weight, ADG and most carcass parameters measured. The partial budget analysis showed that T4 had highest economical gain. Therefore, T4 is recommended on both biologically and economically efficient supplementary regime for Abergelle sheep. &nbsp; Key words: Economical gain, feed conversion efficiency, isonitrogenous, noug seed cake, wheat bran.

The assessment and the farmers' perceived ranking of feed resources and coping strategies with feed scarcity in smallholder dairy farming in selected district towns of Jimma Zone, Ethiopia.

Inadequate quantity and quality of feed resources are major constraints limiting milk production and reproductive performance of dairy cattle in Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to assess dairy cattle feed resources, feeding practices, the farmers' perceived ranking of feed resources, causes of feed shortage, and coping strategies to feed scarcity in smallholder dairy system in selected district towns of Jimma Zone, Ethiopia. Data were obtained by interviewing 52 randomly selected smallholder dairy farmers using structured questionnaires and through direct observations. Results showed that 20 main feed types used by dairy farmers were identified and categorized into natural pastures, crop residues, green feeds, hay, agro-industrial by-products, concentrate mix, and non-conventional feeds. Overall, natural pasture (mean rank=0.453), non-conventional feeds (0.307), cut green feeds (0.086), conserved hay (0.076), crop residues (0.049), and concentrate feeds (0.029) were ranked as the main feed resources in decreasing order of importance. Natural pasture grazing (92.2% of the respondents), hay (35.6%), and green feeds (29.4%) were the most important conventional basal feeds used. Wheat bran (11.7% of the respondents) followed by commercial concentrate mix (9.4%), Noug seedcake (8.3%), grain (7.8%), and molasses (6.1%) were the concentrate supplements used. Overall, bulule-flour mill leftovers (67.2% of the farmers), bean and pea hulls (57.2%) and atella-local brew by-product (37.2%), enset (Ensete ventricosum, 34.4%), and sugarcane top (32.2%) were the non-conventional feeds available and used during feed scarcity. Barley and teff (Eragrostis teff) straws and maize and sorghum stovers were the main crop residues used in the dry seasons. Overall, 73.9, 12.2, 12.2, and 1.7% of the respondents practiced free grazing, zero grazing, semi-zero, and a combination of zero- and free-grazing systems, respectively. Over 84% of the respondents in the dry season and 50% in the wet season reported experiencing a shortage of feeds. Poor feed availability (73.9% of the respondents) was reported as the main causes of feed shortage followed by shortage of pastureland (7.8%). Increased use of bulule (55.6% of the respondents), crop residues (16.1%), non-conventional feed resources (14.4%), conserved hay (11.1%), purchased green feeds and concentrates (1.1%), and reducing herd size (1.1%) were the farmers' adopted coping strategies to mitigate feed shortage. It is suggested that technical intervention to improve the quality and efficient utilization of the existing feed resources is crucial to enable sustainable feed supply and boost milk production. Technologies that are easy to adopt, feasible, and low cost are also needed to be developed in participatory manner.