West African Dwarf Rams Research Articles

Performance, Carcass Traits and Meat Quality Evaluation of Sheep Fed Diets Containing Napier Grass and Graded Levels of Cocoa Pod Husk with Soursop Pulp Meals

This study was conducted to determine performance, carcass traits and meat quality evaluation of sheep fed napier grass and different proportion of cocoa pod husk and soursop pulp meals. Eighteen (18) West African Dwarf rams, aged between 7 and 8 months old with mean weight of 7.00 ± 0.55kg were allotted to three dietary treatments with two replicates of three sheep per treatment in a completely randomized design. The compared treatment diets were; TA (70% napier grass and 30% concentrate diet), TB (45% cocoa pod husk with 25% soursop pulp and 30% concentrate diet) and TC (50% cocoa pod husk with 20% soursop pulp and 30% concentrate diet). The experimental diets were given to the sheep at 6% of their body weight and the experiment lasted for 84days after 14days of adjustment period. The results showed that average daily feed intake (221.79g), nitrogen intake (18.02g/day), total nitrogen loss (5.08g/day) and chilling losses (12.85%) were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in diet TA compared with diets TB and TC. Treatment diet TC was significantly (P < 0.05) better in total body weight gain (3.66kg), average daily weight gain (43.57g), total digestible nutrient (74.69%), nitrogen retention (77.58%, slaughter weight (11.02kg), hot carcass weight (5.68kg), cold carcass yields (5.23kg), hot with cold carcass yields (51.54 and 47.46%), appearance (6.81), tenderness (6.20) and overall acceptability (6.85) than other treatment diets. Initial body weight, flavor and juiciness were not significantly (P > 0.05) affected by the treatment diets. It was concluded that 50% cocoa pod husk with 20% soursop pulp and 30% concentrate diet has the potential to enhance performance, carcass traits and meat quality evaluation in sheep.

Growth performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality of West African dwarf rams fed diets supplemented with water-washed neem fruit and/or yeast

This study was conducted to determine the growth performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality of rams fed diets containing water-washed neem (Azadirachta indica) fruits with or without baker’s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) supplementation. Twelve West African Dwarf (WAD) rams (19.88±3.37kg) were assigned to one of three dietary groups with 4 animals per group in a complete randomized design. Each group received a total mixed ration with one of the following: YS: (5.0g of yeast per animal per day); NF: (5.0% water-washed neem fruit inclusion in the diet) and YS/NF: (5.0% water-washed neem fruit inclusion in the diet and 5.0g of yeast per animal per day). The animals were fed at 5% of their body weight. At the end of the 56 days feeding trial, three animals per treatment were slaughtered after being starved for 16 hours and evaluated for carcass characteristics and meat quality. Average daily weight gain, average daily feed intake and feed efficiency were significantly (P<0.05) higher in YS/NF compared to other treatments. Ribeye area was higher (P<0.05) in NF than YS. The dressing percentage, percentage of neck, brisket, leg and meat were not significantly (P>0.05) affected by the treatments. Water-washed neem fruits significantly (P<0.05) increased the percentage of flank and rack. The proportion of bone was similar in YS and YS/NF but significantly (P<0.05) higher than NF. Meat-bone ratio was similar in YS and YS/NF but significantly (P<0.05) lower than NF. Significant (P<0.05) reduction was observed in the proportion of fat. No significant (P>0.05) difference was observed in the proportion of meat in all the treatments. There were no significant (P<0.05) differences in meat marbling, cold loss and thermal shortening across the treatments except thermal loss which was lowest in NF. Cold shortening was similar in NF and YS/NF but higher (P<0.05) than YS. Water holding capacity was similar in YS and YS/NF but higher than NF. NF, though similar to YS was on the overall more acceptable (P<0.05) than YS/NF. The treatments did not significantly (P>0.05) affect the DM, CP and ash content of the meat. However, ether extract and cholesterol components were similar in NF and YS/NF but significantly lower (P<0.05) than YS. These results showed that the inclusion of water-washed neem fruit and baker’s yeast in the diet of WAD rams impacted positively on growth performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality of rams without any negative effect except for low water holding capacity which may influence the type of meat product such meat can be used for.Key words: Yeast, water-washed neem fruit, performance, carcass characteristics, meat qualities, West African Dwarf ram.

Quality and acceptability of velvet bean (<i>Mucuna pruriens</i>) foliage ensiled with whole plant maize by west Africa dwarf rams

This experiment was conducted to determine the suitability of Velvet Bean Foliage (VBF) and Whole Plant Maize (WPM) silage as dry season feed for ruminants in Southwest of Nigeria. In this study, WPM was ensiled with five levels of VBF (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100%). Physical characteristics, temperature, pH and proximate composition of the silages were assessed after 21 days of ensiling. Preference for the silage by ruminants was determined using twelve West African dwarf (WAD) rams. Results revealed that pH, temperature and physical characteristics of all silages were within acceptable range except for VBF -100 which did not make good silage. The appearance, smell and texture of all the silage mixtures compromised increasing level of VBF while the pH increased. The pH of the silage varied from 3.92-7.98. Dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP) and crude fibre (CF) concentration in the silages ranged from 20.67 – 26.65, 8.02 – 15.77, 26.42 - 1926g/100g, respectively. The DM and CF of the silages reduced with increasing level of VBF in the mixture while the CP increased. Coefficient of preference (CoP) for the silage varied from 0.79 to 1.13 while percentage preference varied from 15.58 - 22.50%. The coefficient of preference (CoP) was above unity for VBF (0, 25, 50 and 75) but less than unity for VBF- 100, showing that rams preferred silage with whole plant maize to sole VBF. This result suggests that quality of Whole plant maize silage improved when velvet bean foliage was added; however, acceptability by WAD rams was compromised.Keywords: Velvet bean foliage, whole plant maize, silage, quality, acceptability, rams.

Zootechnical Index Analysis of West African Dwarf Rams in Southwestern Nigeria

Abstract The study was conducted to evaluate the zootechnical index analysis of West African Dwarf (WAD) rams. Twenty body measurements were taken on 100 WAD rams of average ages of 18-24 months. Data collected were subjected to PROCMEANS procedure of the SAS (2004) package. The average body weight of the animals was 39.20 ± 0.95 kg, the coefficient of variation indicated variability between 1.45% (head width) and 12.90% (body weight) which were the lowest and highest variability, respectively. Thus, a moderate variability of coefficient of variation ranging between 8% and 12.90% in all morphological measures was considered. Also the variability between the rams with respect to the zootechnical indices is indicated by their coefficient of variation which ranged between 0.11% (length) to 10.80% (cephalic). There was a positive and significant correlation between body weight and other phenotypic traits (P < 0.001) except for ear width, chest girth, neck length, neck width, and also head width. The result obtained in this study revealed that the estimated zootechnical indices reinforced classification of WAD breed as a small-sized and short-shaped body frame suitable for the sporting activities as preferred by the users.

Performance, Carcass and Meat Characteristics of West African Dwarf Rams Given Water Contaminated With Used Engine Oil

<p>This study was conducted to determine the effect of giving water contaminated with used engine oil on performance, carcass and meat characteristics of West African Dwarf (WAD) rams. 15 WAD rams about 10 months old were used. They were grouped into 5 balanced for weight. Used engine oil was collected from an Auto mechanic workshop in Ayetoro Yewa Ogun state and mixed to 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20ml with one litre of clean water at 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0% designated T0, T1, T2, T3 and T4 respectively. The rams were assigned to these treatment groups in a completely randomized design experiment and were given the contaminated water for 13 weeks. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) at p=0.05. The results showed that nutrient intake was higher, while water intake decreased (p<0.05) as the level of used engine oil in water increased, nitrogen intakes and urinary nitrogen decreased (p<0.05) as well as nitrogen retention. Although weight gain increased (p<0.05) feed efficiency decreased (p<0.05). Carcass primal cuts and meat characteristics decreased except cooking yield and water holding capacity as used engine oil increased in the given water. It was therefore, recommended that used engine oil should not be allowed to flow freely into the surrounding water bodies where grazing animals may consume it as this may lead to reduction in their water intake which can affect the health of the animals and increased feed intake can affect profit margin of the farmers.</p>

Nutritive Value of Panicum maximum Ensiled with Two Cultivars of Lablab purpureus (Lablab purpureus L.) by West African Dwarf Ram

Silage making is an effective way of preservation both the quantity and quality of forages over hay making which is of paramount importance in sheep production. Supplementing Lablab purpureus (L. purpureus) improves the quality of Panicum maximum (P. maximum ) in (P. maximum )/Lablab purpureus mixtures silages when used as basal diet. Information on P. maximum with L. purpureus mixtures as silage is scanty. The potential of Panicum maximum ensiled with two cultivars of Lablab purpureus (Highworth and Rongai) as dry season feed was therefore investigated. Silage characteristics were determined. Twenty-one West African dwarf rams were allotted to seven treatments on varying proportions of P. maximum ensiled with L. purpureus: 100% P. maximum (1), 75% P. maximum+25% Highworth (2), 50% P. maximum+50% Highworth (3), 25% P. maximum +75% Highworth (4) (75% P. maximum and 25% Rongai (5), 50% P. maximum and 50% Rongai (6) (25% Panicum maximum+75% Rongai (7) mixtures at 5% body weight for 98 days to assess Feed Intake (FI), Body Weight Gain (BWG), Dry Matter Digestibility (DMD) and nitrogen retention. Colour of silages was olive green with pleasant odour, firm texture, normal temperature (23-25°C) and pH range of 4.1-4.5. Least CP value was observed in diet 1 (9.0%) and highest in diet 4 (16.8%). Highest neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre, acid detergent lignin were 56.1, 39.4 and 9.4%, respectively observed for diet 1. The least FI (573.87g) and BWG (23.81g) occurred in rams fed A while the highest FI (715.47g) and BWG (47.62g) was reported for rams fed G and D, respectively. Least DMD (40.4%) was obtained from rams fed E while highest (56.9%) was for rams fed G and percent retention differed significantly among treatment such that rams fed B had the least (30.7%) while those fed G had the highest (56.7%). 100% Panicum maximum diet had the least FI and WG while animals fed 25% Panicum maximum with 75% Rongai had the highest FI. Rams fed 25% Highworth had the least nitrogen retention while those fed 75% Rongai had the highest nitrogen retention. Better feed intake, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen utilization and growth rates of rams could be achieved when 25% Panicum maximum basal diets are supplemented with either of the two cultivars of lablab (Highworth or Rongai) at 75%. Rams placed on 25% Panicum maximum with 75% lablab performed better followed by those fed 50% Panicum maximum with 50% lablab. Similarly rams placed on 75% Panicum maximum with 25% Lablab purpureus performed better than those on sole Panicum maximum. 25% Panicum maximum ensiled with 75% lablab was thereby recommended.

English

The effect of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius (Chaya) plant extract on the haematological and serum testosterone of West African dwarf (WAD) breeding rams was carried out. The plant has been used traditionally for both medicinal and non-medicinal purposes. Eight West African dwarf rams were used in this study. The experiment spanned through 14 weeks. The weight of the animals was between 20 to 25 kg and the age between 18 to 24 months at the completion of the experiment. These animals were divided into groups A and B, there were 4 animals in each group. The animals were fed on concentrates and Chaya leaf extract was administered for 4 weeks. This study concludes that the use of 20 or 30% aqueous extract of C. aconitifolius for a period of four weeks led to a significant reduction in testosterone concentration. Therefore, the prolonged feeding of C. aconitifolius may precipitate decreased sexual function, a reduction in libido and erectile dysfunction because of low testosterone concentration and also a decrease value on haemoglobin which can precipitate anaemia and finally infertility in the male animals.   Key words: Cnidoscolus aconitifolius, heamatological parameters, serum testosterone, ram. &nbsp

Mineral Concentrations and Rumen Degradability of Biodegraded <i>Enterolobium cyclocarpum</i> (Jacq) and <i>Pterocarpus santalinoides</i> (L’Her) with <i>Aspergillus niger</i>

The effects of solid state fermentation on the mineral concentrations and in sacco degradation characteristics of dry matter in two multipurpose tree leaves was investigated. Biodegraded Enterolobium cyclocarpum (EC) and Pterocarpus santalinoides (PS) leaves were previously inoculated with Aspergillus niger and incubated at 30&degC for five incubation periods (0, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days). After each incubation period, samples were oven dried at 60&degC, allowed to cool and ground for mineral analysis and in sacco dry matter degradability. Three fistulated West African Dwarf (WAD) rams (Ovis aries) were then used for the dry matter degradability. Five grams of each sample was emptied into nylon bag (Polymon, Switzeland) with pore size of 4 μ and effective size of 5 cm × 18 cm and incubated in the rumen of the fistulated animals for 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h. The results showed that the mineral contents of biodegraded EC samples were affected by incubation period. Mean values of Ca, Cu, K, Na, and Zn were significantly increased (0.05), while mean values of Fe, Mg, and Mn were first reduced before significantly increasing (0.05). However, the composition of P showed significant reduction (0.05) up to day 28 where no change was observed. Mineral concentrations in biodegraded PS were also affected by incubation periods. Values of Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, and Zn were significantly increased (0.05). However values of Cu, and Fe only increased after day 14, while the value of P was reduced significantly over the different incubation periods. Potential degradability (PD) for biodegraded EC was highest at day 0 (50.79%) but not significantly different from potential degradability of longer incubation periods to day 28 (48.68%). PS had higher PD than EC. In spite of high PD values, PS comparatively degraded faster than EC. Effective degradability (ED) for EC was highest for day28 (36.71%) and not significantly different from days 21 (34.83%) and 7 (35.29%) but significantly different from days 0 (31.32%) and 14 (31.75%) respectively. However, the ED for PS was highest for day 0 (31.39) samples and significantly differed from other incubation periods, further increase in period only showed lower but similar ED values for days 7 (27.52%), 14 (26.76%), 21 (27.42%) and 28 (26.86%) respectively. In this study, the continued reduction in P concentrations in both biodegraded EC and PS suggest that Aspergillus niger has preferential demand for P and in sacco degradation showed increase in PD and ED values for fungal biodegraded EC and reduction in PS, suggesting improved quality of EC.

Voluntary Feed Intake and Nutrient Utilization of West African Dwarf Sheep Fed Supplements of Moringa oleifera and Gliricidia sepium Fodders

Moringa oleifera (Mo) and Gliricidia sepium (Gs) fodders and their mixtures were fed as protein supplements to basal diets of Panicum maximum (Pm) and cassava peels. Thirty two (32) yearling West African Dwarf (WAD) rams were divided into four groups of eight animals balanced for body weight and allocated to dietary treatments in a Completely Randomized Design for fifteen (15) weeks. Animals in group 1 consumed the basal diet only while animals from group 2, 3 and 4 were fed basal diets with supplements of Mo, Gs and their mixtures respectively. Voluntary feed intake (VFI), nutrient digestibility and nitrogen utilization of the animals were evaluated. Animals fed basal diet only had reduced VFI (252.36±22.0g day-1) while those on Mo and Gs mixtures had significantly higher (p<0.05) VFI value of 344.96±22.2g day-1. Voluntary feed intake of basal diet was increased significantly (p<0.05) for animals in group 2 and 4 (260.20±30.00 and 270.46±20.6g day-1 respectively). Higher but significantly different (p<0.05) dry matter digestibility values of 63.90±3.06, 62.72±3.02 and 68.50±4.32% were obtained for animals in group 2, 3 and 4 respectively while the animals in group 1 had the least value of 48.39±2.03%. Similar trend exist in crude protein and crude fibre digestibility with animals in group 4 having significantly higher (p<0.05) values of 60.62±5.24 and 68.63±3.22% respectively. The result of nitrogen utilization indicate significantly lowest (p<0.05) value of 3.56±0.16g day-1 of digested nitrogen for animals in group 1. Higher nitrogen retention value (p<0.05) of 65.81±4.20% was obtained in sheep on Mo and Gs fodder combinations. Those on separate Mo and Gs fodders were statistically similar (58.55±3.02% and 58.00±5.30% respectively) but higher (p<0.05) than those on basal diet (43.70±3.02%). Supplementation of Panicum maximum and cassava peels basal diet with Moringa oleifera or Gliricidia sepium fodders improved the intake of basal diet and enhanced better nutrient utilization of WAD sheep. Mixtures of the two fodders in the same ratio were superior to either supplementation.

Productive and Blood Indices of Dwarf Rams Fed a Mixture of Rice Straw and Groundnut Haulms Alone or Supplemented with Concentrates Containing Different Levels of Shea Nut Cake

3 Abstract: Six juvenile West African dwarf rams were used for three periods in a double 3 x 3 Latin square design to test the nutritional value of three home-made diets meant for use as dry season sheep feed in the Tolong-Kumbungu district of the Northern region of Ghana. The three dietary treatments were: mixture of 625 g/kg DM rice straw and 375 g/kg DM groundnut haulms (T1), T1 + concentrate feed containing 115 g/kg DM shea nut cake (T2) and T1 + concentrate feed containing 230 g/kg DM shea nut cake (T3). Each period consisted of 14 days of adaptation to the feed and 14 days in which data were collected. Total DMI was significantly low (p<0.05) when the rams were on T1 (453.4 g/d) compared to when on T2 (612.0 g/d) and T3 (627.6 g/d). Daily weight gain values obtained when rams were on T1 and T3 differed (p<0.05), but the value obtained when on T2 was similar to T1 and T3; the values being 20.3 g, 31.2 g and 39.3 g for T1, T2 and T3, respectively. Concentrate supplementation improved DM and CP digestibility with values being significantly higher on T2. Supplementation did not affect the haematological and serum biochemical indices of the rams except total protein and albumin, which two values were significantly high on T3. It was observed that supplementation increased DMI, daily weight gain and serum total protein and albumin due to the high crude protein and energy contents of the supplemental concentrate. It was concluded that all three test diets were suitable for dry season sheep feeding in the test area and that shea nut cake could be included in sheep diets up to 230 g/kg DM without any harmful effect on their haematological and serum biochemical profile.

Evaluation of Moringa oleifera, Gliricidia sepium and Leucaena leucocephala - based multinutrient blocks as feed supplements for sheep in South Western Nigeria

Moringa oleifera has not found much use as human food and feed for ruminants compared to other known fodder trees in South- Western Nigeria. Feed blocks were made using 30% Moringa oleifera, Gliricidia sepium and Leucaena leucocephala leaf meals to supplement basal diets of guinea grass – cassava peels mixture for small ruminants. The diets were fed to 32 West African Dwarf rams with average weight of 11.2+ 0.6 kg in a completely randomized design and body weight gain, linear body measurements, physiological parameters, nitrogen retention and haematological indices were measured. The basal diets and feed blocks contained 8.14g 100g -1

Effects of species and season on chemical composition and ruminal crude protein and organic matter degradability of some multi‐purpose tree species by West African dwarf rams

Seasonal chemical composition and ruminal organic matter (OM) and crude protein (CP) degradabilities were determined in four tropical multi-purpose tree species (MPTS) namely; Pterocarpus santalinoides, Grewia pubescens, Enterolobium cyclocarpum and Leucaena leucocephala. Three West African dwarf (WAD) rams fitted with permanent rumen cannula were used for the degradability trials. Foliage samples were collected four times to represent seasonal variations as follows: January--mid dry; April--late dry; July--mid rainy and October--late rainy seasons. Leaf samples were randomly collected from the trees for estimation of dry matter (DM) and chemical composition. Ruminal in sacco OM and CP degradabilities were estimated from residues in nylon bags. All samples had high CP (161-259 g/kg DM) and moderate fibre concentrations [neutral detergent fibre (without residual ash], 300-501 g/kg DM; acid detergent fibre (without residual ash), 225-409 g/kg DM and acid detergent lignin, 87-179 g/kg DM across seasons. Interaction effects of species and season on chemical composition were highly significant (p = 0.001) except for trypsin inhibitor (p = 0.614). The MPTS recorded more than 60% OM and CP degradability at 24 h, which implied that they were all highly degradable in the rumen. Their incorporation into ruminant feeding systems as dry season forage supplements is therefore recommended.

Effect of Hemiorchidectomy on Spermiogram and Testicular Characteristics of West African Dwarf Ram.

Eight healthy west African dwarf rams aged between 1.5 and 2.5 years weighing between 13 and 18 kg were assigned randomly into groups for right and left testicular orchidectomy. The Hemi-orchiidectomy was performed after three weeks of quarantine and testicular characteristics of excised testes examined. Thereafter, for a period of seven weeks, spermiograms were studied and recorded after which intact testes were removed and responsiveness to hemiorchidectomy studied. Basal spermiogram, gotten from all the animals before hemiorchidectomy served as control while comparison were made between testes removed during hemiorchidectomy and the intact testis removed thereafter. Compensatory hypertrophy was observed in all the animals after the procedure in the two groups. However this compensation was not of significant variation comparing animals assigned to left testicular orchidectomy with those for right testicular orchidectomy, (p

Digestibility And Nitrogen Balance Studies In West African Dwarf Sheep Fed Fortified Cassava Peel Meal – Poultry Waste Diets

Four West African Dwarf (WAD) rams averaging 10.5 kg of body weight and aged 16 months were used in a metabolism study to determine the intake and nutrient digestibility of potato chips fortified cassava peel poultry waste diets. Four experimental diets were formulated. They include diets A the control made up of 100% dried cassava peel, and diets B, C, and D, consisting of 80: 10: 10; 70:15:15 and 60:20:20 of dried cassava peel, dried poultry waste and dried potato chips respectively. The crude protein (%) content were 4.86, 7.50, 9.18 and 9.83, while the gross energy (MJ/kg/DM) were 1.61, 1.62, 1.64, and 1.50 and for diets A, B, C, and D respectively. The animals were assigned the test diets in a 4 x 4 Latin square experiment. Weekly body weights, feed intake, dry matter intake were recorded, nutrient digestibilities were computed while a nitrogen balance study was also carried out. Results indicate that incorporating potato chips in cassava peel – poultry waste diets generally improved intake in WAD sheep. Respectively the dry matter (53.33, 58.28, 54.71, 64.34), crude protein (24.93, 46.2, 49.24, 66.60), crude fibre (31.84, 27.74, 36.38, 68.12) and gross energy (80.08, 78.51, 77.25, 74.44) digestibility values of diets A, B, C, and D differed significantly (P

Effect of supplementation with leguminous crop residues or concentrates on the voluntary intake and performance of Kirdi sheep.

Twenty young Kirdi (West African Dwarf) rams, averaging 22 kg live weight and 15 months of age, were randomly assigned to four feeding groups of 5 animals each. The groups were subjected to an 8-week feeding trial to determine the effect of different protein supplements on their voluntary intake of rice straw and on their performance. The animals in one of the groups were maintained on a daily basal diet of rice straw given ad libitum and 250 g of rice bran per animal (control). Other groups were fed the basal diet, supplemented with 300 g of groundnut haulms (GH diet), 45 g of cotton seed cake (CSC diet) or 210 g of chopped cowpea vines (CPV diet) per animal per day. The average daily weight gains of the animals feeding on the control, GH, CSC and CPV diets were 20.00, 48.93, 52.14 and 49.29 g, respectively. The gains in live weight of the supplemented groups did not differ significantly (p > 0.05), but there was a difference (p < 0.05) in live weight gain between the supplemented groups and the control. The differences in intake of rice straw among the groups were highly significant (p < 0.01). Cotton seed cake increased (p < 0.01) the intake, while feeding crop residues tended to depress the intake of rice straw. Variations in the height at withers, heart girth and scapulo-ischial length did not differ significantly (p > 0.05) among the groups. In terms of live weight gain and intake of rice straw, cotton seed cake was the most effective supplement, but, since the crop residues are more readily available to farmers in this area of the country, they merit more attention.

Age and Body Weight and their Relationship with Testicular and Horn Development in Yankasa X West African Dwarf Crossbred Rams

Bratte, L., Arijeniwa, A. and Ikhimioya, I. 1999. Age and body weight and their relationship with testicular and horn development in Yankasa X West African dwarf crossbred rams. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 15: 201–206. The effect of age and, body weight (BW) on scrotal circumference (SC), scrotal length (SL) and average horn length (AHL) was investigated in eight 3/4 Yankasa x 1/4 West African Dwarf rams born as singles from birth to 72 weeks of age. Ram BW, SC, SL and AHL generally increased with age, the increase of BW and SC being faster from birth to 24 weeks of age than at older ages. Ram age accounted for over 80% of the variation in BW and, SC, whereas BW accounted, for over 79% of the variation in SC and SL and for only about 75% of that in AHL. R was concluded that since scrotal dimensions were strongly related, to sexual activity and sperm output, body weight and. scrotal size may be used, for assessment of a, ram's breeding potentials.

Growth of male WAD sheep fed cassava waste or dried sorghum brewer's grains as supplements to tropical grass/legume forage

Eighteen 4–5-month-old individually penned West African Dwarf (WAD) rams (mean weight 14 kg) were offered one of three rations for 112 d to determine growth rate on a supplemented Panicum/Centrosema (6:1) forage ad libitum and forage/concentrate ratio of 56:44. Grass and legume contained 11.9 and 23.3% CP and 31.7 and 31.2% crude fibre, respectively. Supplements fed at 2%/BW contained 97% cassava wastes (CW), 97% dried sorghum brewer's grains (DSBG) or 48.5% each of CW and DSBG, and 5.4, 33.2 and 18.1% CP, respectively. Digestibility and nitrogen balance of the rations were determined with three other rams in a 3 × 3 Latin square experiment. Intake and digestibility of DM and energy of the rations were similar. Nitrogen intake, N absorbed and urinary N loss increased directly with dietary DSBG levels ( P < 0.01). High starch and fibre in CW, lowest N content and intake from 97% CW supplement were implicated in least N digestibility of the supplement. At low N intake, faecal N loss was greater than urinary N excretion, but with increased N, more N was lost in urine than faeces. All animals were in positive N balance. Average daily BWG ranged from 12 to 68 g. DSBG was a better supplement than CW but the mixed supplement was best for highest N retention, average BWG as well as feed, energy and protein conversion efficiencies. It is concluded that DSBG is an energy- and protein-rich feed for ruminants. Its inclusion at 48.5% level with 48.5% CW in a Panicum-Centrosema forage supplement promoted maximum daily gain among WAD rams, while 97% level of either feed in the supplement depressed growth.

Semen characteristics of west african dwarf rams

Semen was collected once a week from five West African Dwarf (WAD) rams of proven breeding ability, for 6 weeks in the dry season and for a period of like duration in the rainy season. Semen characteristics evaluated in each season were: volume, percentage progressive motility, percentage total abnormal sperm cells, percentage live sperm cells, and sperm cell concentration. Semen volume and sperm cell concentration did not differ between the two seasons. Percentage progressive motility, total abnormality, and live sperm in the dry season differed from those in the rainy season which showed better quality in these criteria. Except semen volume in the dry season, there was no significant difference from week to week in the other semen characteristics measured in each of the two seasons.