West African Dwarf Rams Research Articles

Effects of feeding Pennisetum purpureum silage supplemented with selected farm residues on growth performance and meat quality of west African dwarf rams

Effects of feeding Pennisetum purpureum silage supplemented with selected farm residues on growth performance and meat quality of west African dwarf rams

Nutrient intake and digestibility of West Africa Dwarf rams fed basal diet supplemented with multi-nutrient block

Thirty-five (35) West African Dwarf rams (WAD) with an average weight of 13.60+0.2 kg were used to evaluate nutrient intake and digestibility of WAD rams fed basal diet supplemented with multi-nutrient block in a Completely Randomized Design. Multi-nutrient blocks were compounded containing varying levels of Corn Bran (CB) substituting Molasses (M) with CB 0:M 0 %, CB 10 %; M 20 %, CB 20 %; M 10 %, CB 30 %; M 0 % and CB 0 %: M 30 % as treatments 1,2,3,4 and 5 respectively. The trial lasted for fourteen (14) weeks. After the feeding study, the animals were allotted into metabolic cages for separate feeding, faecal and urine sample collection for digestibility trial of WAD rams. The basal diet fed was (Megathyrsus maximus). Data collected data were analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results obtained showed that multi-nutrient feed block did not significantly affect nutrient intake (p>0.05). The dry matter intake of the basal diet (Megathyrsus maximus) ranged from 278.81–326.66 g/day and varied significantly across dietary treatments (p<0.05). Multi-nutrient supplementation had a positive significant (p<0.05) effect on all nutrient digestibility parameters. The digestibility of dry matter ranged from 88.94 to 90.44 %, crude protein from 79.92 to 86.26 %, and neutral detergent fiber from 64.42 to 78.57 %. Based on this recent finding, a multi-nutrient feed block supplemented to a basal diet (Megathyrsus maximus) has no significant influence on nutrient intake but has the potential to be utilized to feed ruminants during the dry season for higher feed utilization of WAD rams

Haematological and Serum Biochemical Indices of West African Dwarf Rams Fed Ensiled Elephant Grass and Gmelina Arborea Leaves

In a study to evaluate the haematological parameters and serum indices of rams fed with ensiled Elephant grass and Gmelina arborea leaves, 16 WAD rams were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments for 4 weeks. Each treatment was replicated thrice in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using procedure of SAS (2002); where analysis indicated significant difference, the significant means were compared using the Least Significant Difference method. Water and feed were given ad-libitum. Major parameters measured included: Red Blood Cell (RBC), Packed Cell Volume (PCV), White blood Cell (WBC), Hemoglobin, lymphocytes, neutrophils, monocytes, Total Protein (TP), Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), albumin, glucose, urea, creatinine, cholesterol, High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) and Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL). The four dietary treatments were 80% Elephant grass+ 20% cassava peels+0% Gamhar (T1), 60% Elephant grass+ 20% cassava peels+20% Gamhar (T2), 20% Elephant grass+ 20% cassava peels+60% Gamhar (T3), and 0% Elephant grass+ 20% cassava peels+80% Gamhar (T4). Except for red blood cell (RBC), white blood cell (WBC), monocytes, creatinine, urea and LDL, all the haematological and biochemical parameters measured were significantly (p˂0.05) different across the dietary treatments. It was observed that the ensiled diets offered to the rams did not have deleterious effect on the haematological and serum biochemical indices as the values registered across the dietary treatments falls within the normal ranges. It was concluded that all four test diets were suitable for dry season ram feeding and that Gmelina arborea could be included in ram diets up to 80% without any harmful effect on their haematological and serum biochemical profile.

Dietary effects of Gmelina arborea × Panicum maximum forages on digestibility and haematological characteristics of rams.

Rams' productivity is integrally hinged on their nutrition/nutrients intake, and performance by these animals is predominantly dependent on dry matter intake. Hence, the experiment aims to evaluate the dietary effects of wilted and silages of Gmelina arborea and Panicum maximum forages at different proportions on nutrient digestibility, performance, blood components and ruminal fermentation characteristics of rams. P. maximum was substituted with G. arborea leaves at 100:0, 70:30 and 60:40, respectively and were allowed to wilt overnight, while equal proportions were ensiled for 2 days, designated as 100P(W), 70P:30G(W), 60P:40G(W), 100P(E), 70P:30G(E) and 60P:40G(E). Thereafter, the diets were fed to thirty West African Dwarf rams (5 rams, randomly allocated into each dietary treatment) for 56 days. Parameters measured included nutrients intake, nitrogen utilization, apparent digestibility, weight change, blood components, volatile fatty acids, rumen pH and temperature. From the results, G. arborea leaves and fermentation as a result of the silage significantly (p<0.05) improved nutrient composition, and invariably, all the parameters assessed. Highest CP (14.02%), DMI (765.06 g/day) and nitrogen retention (84.64%) was recorded for rams fed diet 60P:40G(E). The least acetic (23.69 mmol/100ml) and highest propionic (24.97 mmol/100ml) acid production was also recorded for rams fed 60P:40G (E) which suggests richness of the diet and enacted the activities of rumen microbes for efficient feed utilization. Further, their normal PCV (45%), WBC (13.70×109/L), RBC (14.02×109/L), haemoglobin (13.40 g/dL), MCV (32.10 fl/cell) and MCH (9.56 pg/cell) values indicated the diet is not detrimental to their health. Conclusively, P. maximum could suitably be combined with G. arborea leaves at 60:40 when ensiled, for improved ram production, and it's thus recommended.

Thermo-physiological responses and oxidative status of West African dwarf rams fed diets containing supplemental Tetrapleura tetraptera fruit meal

Plant secondary metabolites in Tetrapleuratetraptera fruit meal (TTFM) could be exploited as natural safe feed additives alternative to non- nutritive chemical and antibiotics to enhance rumen fermentation and feed utilization efficiency with negative oxidative stress. The study investigated the responses of West African Dwarf (WAD) rams to the diets containing varying levels of supplemental Tetrapleura tetraptera fruit meal on the oxidative status and thermo-physiological parameters. Thirty five (35) WAD rams with an average live weight of 13.20±0.2 kg were used in a completely randomized design for 140 days. Five concentrate diets containing varying levels (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 %) of TTFM were formulated while Panicum maximum was fed as a basal diet. The rectal temperature, pulse rate and respiratory rate were measured at two week intervals while blood was collected through jugular veins at the onset and at the end of feeding trial to determine oxidative status parameters in terms of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase, thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS).Data collected were subjected to one way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). No significant difference observed (p&gt;0.05) in the rectal temperature while the pulse rate and breathing rate increased significantly (p&lt;0.05) till 12th week of the experiment. Increased glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and lowered thiobarbituric acid reactive substance were recorded on the rams at the end of the feeding trial. It was therefore concluded that inclusion of Tetrapleura tetraptera up to 2 % level reduced the oxidative stress in the experimental animals coupled with better thermo-physiological responses

Haematological Parameters and Serum Biochemical Indices of West African Dwarf Rams Fed Diets Containing Tetrapleura tetraptera (African Porridge) Fruit Meal

Purpose: Plant secondary metabolites available in Tetrapleura tetraptera fruit meal (TTFM) could be exploited as natural safe additive to enhance the physiological health status of rams. Thus, this study investigated the haematological and serum biochemical indices of West African Dwarf (WAD) rams fed diets containing varying levels of TTFM.&#x0D; Methodology: Twenty five (25) WAD rams with an average live weight of 13.20 ± 0.20kg were used in a completely randomized design for 140 days. Five concentrate diets containing varying levels (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0%) of TTFM were formulated while Panicum maximum was fed as a basal diet. Blood samples were collected at the onset and the end of the experiment for haematological and serum biochemical indices. Data collected were subjected to one way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA).&#x0D; Findings: Results showed that haematological parameters were not significantly (p&gt;0.05) different in all dietary treatments except for eosinophil obtained at 20th week of the study with the lowest (p&gt;0.05) value at 1.5% TTFM. Total serum protein and glucose values were positively influenced as addition of TTFM increased. It can be concluded that TTFM could be utilized for ram productivity without any adverse effect on the health status of experimental rams.&#x0D; Recommendation: It can therefore be recommended that TTFM could be included into the diets of WAD rams up to 2.0% level to improve the positive blood profile responses.

Haematological Parameters and Serum Biochemical Indices of West African Dwarf Rams Fed Diets Containing Tetrapleura tetraptera (African Porridge) Fruit Meal

Purpose: Plant secondary metabolites available in Tetrapleura tetraptera fruit meal (TTFM) could be exploited as natural safe additive to enhance the physiological health status of rams. Thus, this study investigated the haematological and serum biochemical indices of West African Dwarf (WAD) rams fed diets containing varying levels of TTFM.&#x0D; Methodology: Twenty five (25) WAD rams with an average live weight of 13.20 ± 0.20kg were used in a completely randomized design for 140 days. Five concentrate diets containing varying levels (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0%) of TTFM were formulated while Panicum maximum was fed as a basal diet. Blood samples were collected at the onset and the end of the experiment for haematological and serum biochemical indices. Data collected were subjected to one way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA).&#x0D; Findings: Results showed that haematological parameters were not significantly (p&gt;0.05) different in all dietary treatments except for eosinophil obtained at 20th week of the study with the lowest (p&gt;0.05) value at 1.5% TTFM. Total serum protein and glucose values were positively influenced as addition of TTFM increased. It can be concluded that TTFM could be utilized for ram productivity without any adverse effect on the health status of experimental rams.&#x0D; Recommendation: It can therefore be recommended that TTFM could be included into the diets of WAD rams up to 2.0% level to improve the positive blood profile responses.

Acceptability of Pennisetum purpureum by West African dwarf rams as influenced by manure application rates

The present study evaluated the chemical composition and acceptability of Pennisetum purpureum by West African dwarf (WAD) rams as influenced by manure application rates. The experiment was a completely randomized design replicated three times. Grasses that have been fertilized with 5 and 10 t ha-1 of swine manure and unfertilized (control (0 t ha-1)), were harvested from the experimental site 9 weeks after planting from 15 cm above ground level and evaluated for proximate and fibre composition. The harvested grasses were also offered to nine WAD rams on cafeteria basis, to assess the acceptability indices of the grass based on treatments. Results showed that the grass with manures consistently had higher (p&amp;lt;0.05) crude protein (CP) contents than the control (unfertilized plants) while all the grasses with different manure rates had similar (p&amp;gt;0.05) neutral detergent fibre (NDF). Consumption, co-efficient of preference and relative palatability of P. purpureum by WAD rams were improved by manure application, where highest values of acceptability indices was recorded in grass with manure rate of 5 t ha-1 over 10 t ha-1 manured grass. Percentage consumption, co-efficient preference and relative palatability index were in the order 5 t ha-1 &amp;gt; 10 t ha-1 &amp;gt; 0 t ha-1 (unfertilized). From the result, it can be concluded that P. purpureum with manure had a better chemical composition profile (higher CP) and better acceptability than unfertilized grass. Enhancing P. purpureum with manure at 5 t ha-1 had higher ash content and improved acceptability by WAD rams than grass with 10 t ha-1 manure application rate.

Dietary inclusion of kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) seed meal on the haematological and serum biochemical response of rams in southwestern Nigeria.

This study was carried out to determine the haematological and serum biochemical effect of rams fed graded levels of kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) seed meal. In a 77-days feeding trial, sixteen west African dwarf rams, of 12months old, were randomly allocated to four dietary treatments(4 animals per each), with different inclusion levels of kenaf seed meal as replacement with sorghum glume and cassava pulp, at 0 (K0), 15 (K15), 35 (K35) and 55 (K55) % respectively. Each animal was fed 5% of its body weight/head/day of the experimental diets and elephant grass with clean drinking water ad libitum. Two animals from each treatment were randomly selected and blood samples collected aseptically, via the jugular puncture for haematological and biochemical evaluation, at the termination of the experiment. The analysis of blood components at the end of the feeding trial revealed that packed cell volume, white blood cell and haemoglobin showed significant (P < 0.05) differences among the rams with packed cell volume, white blood cell, while the haemoglobin wassignificantly decreased in K55 (27.00%, 3200 × 103 µL and 8.95g/dL respectively) than in K0, K15 and K35. There were also significant (P < 0.05) differences in all the serum biochemical analysis except in the albumin. It was concluded that kenaf seed meal can be inculcated in the diet of rams up to 35% without any deleterious effect on their haematology and serum biochemical characteristics. Feeding of kenaf seed meal above 35% inclusion level resulted in negative alteration of the white blood cells which could lead to the loss of their protective system, thereby preventing rapid and potent defence against infectious diseases.

Brain and pituitary-adrenal lesions of Trypanosoma brucei brucei and Trypanosoma congolense infections in the West African Dwarf rams: Is trypanotolerance overrated?

Trypanosomosis of the West African Dwarf (WAD) sheep is often neglected due to emphasis on trypanotolerance. Nevertheless, significant pathological changes may occur in tissues of infected WAD sheep. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the brain, pituitary, and adrenal lesions of Trypanosoma brucei brucei (Tbb) and Trypanosoma congolense (Tc) infections in WAD rams. Fifteen WAD rams were infected intraperitoneally with Tbb or Tc (106 trypanosomes/animal) or were uninfected controls (5 rams per group). Adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol were assayed in serum by enzyme immunoassay technique. The brain, pituitary, and adrenal glands were processed for histopathology. Serum ACTH levels of infected rams were significantly (P < .05) higher than that of controls on days 14 and 70 post infection (PI). Serum cortisol levels of infected rams were significantly (P < .05) higher than that of controls only on day 14 PI. Mortality was 60% in Tbb- and 40% in Tc-infected rams. The brain of the infected groups showed chromatolysis of cortical neurons and Purkinje cells with severe encephalitis. Degenerative, necrotic, and inflammatory changes were seen in the pituitary and adrenal glands of the infected rams. Adrenal corticomedullary ratio was significantly (P < .05) higher in Tc-infected rams than controls. Based on the high mortality levels, likely due to severe encephalitis, the WAD sheep may not be regarded as trypanotolerant.

Correlation between Testicular Morphometric Parameters and Sperm Reserves in Ghanaian West African Dwarf Rams.

The current study was conducted to investigate the association between testicular morphometric parameters and sperm reserves in Ghanaian West African Dwarf rams. The intact scrotum along with testes and epididymides from twelve rams were collected immediately after slaughtering and transported to the Regional Veterinary Laboratory. The left testes and epididymides from all rams were dissected and the testes were individually weighed. The individual length, width, and volume of the testis and cauda epididymis were determined. Tissue samples were taken from testicular parenchyma, homogenized, and used to determine gonadal sperm concentration using a hemocytometer. Spermatozoa were recovered from the cauda epididymis by the incision method and used to determine the spermiogram. The weight, length, width, and volume of the testis were 63 ± 11 gram, 6.7 ± 0.44 cm, and 4.6 ± 0.40 and 74 ± 19 cm3, respectively, while the same parameters (except weight) for the cauda epididymis were 3.2 ± 0.35 cm, 1.8 ± 0.16 cm, and 5.48 ± 1.5 cm3, respectively. The sperm reserves per testis (SR), sperm reserves per gram testis (SRG), daily sperm production per testis (DSP), and daily sperm production per gram testis (DSPG) were (11,740 ± 386, 250 ± 6, 2350 ± 7.7, and 50 ± 1.0) million sperm cells, respectively. The cauda epididymal sperm reserves were 1,386 ± 456 million sperm cells, and the sperm motility (M%), morphologically normal viable cells (N%), dead sperm cells (D%), and morphologically abnormal sperm cells (A%) were 89 ± 3.2, 70.13 ± 8.0, 13.55 ± 5.05, and 16.33 ± 7.9, respectively. In conclusion, testicular morphometric parameters in Ghanaian West African Dwarf rams are highly and positively correlated (r = 0.7487–0.9354) with sperm reserves and production.

Infection of West African dwarf rams with Trypanosoma brucei brucei and Trypanosoma congolense significantly alter serum electrolytes, redox balance, sperm parameters, and gonadal morphology.

Trypanotolerance of the West African dwarf (WAD) breeds may not rule out significant pathophysiological changes that may affect productivity. In this study, the effects of infection of WAD rams with Trypanosoma brucei brucei (Tbb) and Trypanosoma congolense (Tc) on their serum levels of electrolytes [calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium]; oxidative stress markers [superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA)]; and sperm parameters [sperm count, motility, vitality, and morphology] were investigated. Fifteen WAD rams, assigned to 3 groups (A, B & C) of 5 rams each, were used for the study. Group A rams were infected with Tbb, while Group B rams were infected with Tc, both intraperitoneally, at the dose of 106 trypanosomes/animal. Group C rams served as the uninfected control. The infections were monitored for 70days. Serum calcium levels were significantly (p < 0.05) lower in Tbb and Tc infected rams compared to the control throughout the study. Serum sodium was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the Tb infected rams compared to the Tc infected and control rams on days 14 and 28 PI. Serum SOD activity decreased while MDA levels increased in both infected groups of rams. Tbb infected rams were azoospermic, while Tc infected rams had lower sperm motility, vitality and concentration, and higher number of abnormal sperm cells compared to the control. Necrotic and inflammatory lesions occurred in the testis and epididymis of both infected rams. These results suggest that despite trypanotolerance, trypanosome infections in the WAD rams significantly impact on health and reproduction.

Assessment of mango and carrot juices as West African Dwarf ram semen extender at room temperature

Quality and affordable semen extenders are essential for successful artificial insemination. Extenders from natural sources have been found to be effective and affordable. Using two matured West African Dwarf rams (18.67±1.45kg), the effectiveness of graded mixtures of mango and carrot juices (100% Mango (M), 100% Carrot (C) 90%M10%C, 70%M30%C, 50%M50%C, 30%M70%C and 10%M90%C), and conventional egg yolk citrate (EYC) as ram semen extender was studied. Each diluent was constituted in five aliquots using standard methods and pH determined electronically. Semen collection in three trials using electro-ejaculator method was followed by evaluation for colour, volume, pre-extended sperm motility, concentration, percentage liveability and morphological normality. Thereafter, semen were extended with different diluents by adding 0.2ml of semen to 7.5ml of diluents. Immediately, hourly evaluation for sperm motility from zero to eight hours then twenty-four hours post-extension was done. Diluents revealed in the study as the most effective semen extender were subjected to proximate analyses. The pH of the diluents ranged from 4.56±0.11 (70%M30%C) to 6.40± 0.14 (90%C10%M). The mean ejaculate volume was 0.8±0.00ml while colour observed was creamy. The pre-extended mean spermatozoa motility, morphological abnormality, percentage liveability and concentration were 94.5±4.5%, 7.0±2.83%, 88.75±2.5% and 0.3×109 sperm cell/ml respectively. Spermatozoa motility declined progressively in all the diluents from 0-24hours post-extension. The decline was observed to be significantly rapid (p≤0.05) in 100%Carrot diluent from 94±2.4% at zero hour to 0% at three hours post extension. Only diluents 90%M10%C, 100%M and Egg Yolk Citrate provided sperm motility score of 30% and above at eight hours post extension. Proximate analyses of 90%M10%C and 100%M revealed presence of essential minerals which are found to be naturally occurring in ram ejaculate. The work established that mixture of mango and carrot (90%M10%C) and 100% mango juices could be used as a suitable semen extender in preserving West African Ram semen at room temperature.

Effect of diets containing different nutrient density on performance and faecal egg count of West African Dwarf rams

A study was conducted to determine the effect of different nutrient densities on performance characteristics and faecal egg count of West African Dwarf (WAD) rams semi-intensively managed. Twenty four yearling lambs between 10-15kg were used for the experiment. The lambs were allotted to two treatment groups containing 12 animals per group. They were released into the paddock containing sown pasture to graze for 6 hours per day. The animals were randomly assigned to treatments containing two levels of protein-energy density: low energy, low protein (LELP) and high energy, high protein (HEHP) in a completely randomized design. Performance characteristics of WAD rams showed that protein and energy density have significant effect (P&lt;0.05) on weight gain, daily weight gain and protein intake. Metabolic weight gain was influenced (P&lt;0.05) positively by the protein and energy density. Animals fed HEHP diets had significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher protein intake (54.66 g) than those fed LELP diets (22.92 g). The slope observed for animals on HEHP diet was lower compared to that of their counterpart on LELP diet. Hence, HEHP diets improved performance of West African Dwarf sheep as well as reducing the gastrointestinal parasite infection due to lower FEC recorded.&#x0D;

Evaluation of Carcass and Non-carcass Characteristics of West African Dwarf Rams Fed Bambusa vulgaris Leaves with Neem Seed Cake and Guinea Grass

Eighteen West African Dwarf rams balanced for weight (8.00 ± 0.20kg) were fed with Bambusa vulgaris leaves with neem seed cake and guinea grass to evaluate their carcass and non-carcass characteristics. The rams were assigned to three dietary treatments in a completely randomized design with six rams per treatment. The compared dietary treatments were as follows. Diet A(70% guinea grass and 30% concentrate diet): diet B(mixture of 50% Bambusa vulgaris leaves with 20% neem seed cake and 30% concentrate diet) and diet C(combination of 45% Bambusa vulgaris leaves with 25% neem seed and 30% concentrate diet). The results showed that diet A was significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher in average total feed intake (11.13kg), chilling losses (15.04%) and rumen/reticulum (2.04%) than diets B and C. Slaughter weight (11.33kg), empty body weight (10.32kg), hot and cold carcass weights (6.01 &amp; 5.54kg), hot and cold carcass yield (53.05 &amp; 48.90%), true yield (58.24%), liver (2.01%), kidneys (1.12%) and lungs (1.35%) were significantly (P &lt; 0.05) higher in diet B than diet A or C. No significant difference (P &gt;0.05) observed in initial body weight, heart, spleen, omasum, abomasums, blood, skin and head among the treatment diets. It could be concluded that mixture of 50% Barnbusa vulgaris leaves with 20% neem seed cake and 30% concentrate diet has the potential to improve carcass and non-carcass characteristics of West African Dwarf rams.

Performance characteristics and blood profile of rams fed mixture of bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris) leaves and neem (Azadirachta indica) seed cake

The study was carried out to assess the performance characteristics and blood profile of growing rams fed mixture of bamboo leaves and neem seed cake. Eighteen West African dwarf rams with an average weight of 8.00± 0.20kg and aged between 8 - 9 months were randomly allotted to three dietary treatments with six animals per treatment group in a completely randomized design. The diets compared were TD1(70% Guinea grass with 30% concentrate diet which was the control group), TD2 (mixture of 50% bamboo leaves with 20% neem seed cake and 30% concentrate diet) and TD3(combination of 45% bamboo leaves with 25% neem seed cake and 30% concentrate diet). The results obtained indicated that average total feed intake (11.13kg), average daily feed intake (132.50g), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (33.35g/dL), glucose (59.01mg/dL), cholesterol (42.89mg/dL), creatinine (1.01mg/dL) and urea (13.73mg/dL) were significantly (P&lt;0.05) better with animals on TD1 Animals on TD2had the highest values in terms of finial body weight (11.33kg), average total weight gain (3.27kg), average daily weight gain (38.93g), total digestible nutrient (68.97%), packed cell volume (30.06%), haemoglobin (10.68g/dl), red blood cell (9.42 x 106ml), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (11.70Pg), total protein (8.09g/dL), albumin (3.03g/dL), and globulin (5.06g/dL). Feed conversion ratio (4.27), mean corpuscular volume (30.95fl) and white blood cell (2.56 x 103/mL) were significantly highest for animals on TD3 No significant (P&gt;0.05) difference existed between the experimental rams with regards to initial body weight, lymphocyte, neutrophile. It was concluded that combination of 50% bamboo leaves with 20% of neem seed cake and 30% concentrate diet improved performance, haematological and serum biochemical indices for growing rams.

THE EFFECT OF SODIUM HYDROXIDE SPRAY TREATMENTS OF MAIZE COBS ON CONSUMPTION AND DIGESTIBILITY BY THE WEST AFRICAN DWARF SHEEP

A Sodium Hydroxide spray treatment of ground maize cobs was evaluated in a feeding trial with West African Dwarf rams. NaOH solution of 6% concentration was sprayed on ground maize cobs at the rate of 50 litres per 100 kg, representing a 3% NaOH treatment level. The treated maize cobs were air dried before being incorporated into the experimental diets. The apparent digestibility coefficients for dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), crude fibre (CF) and gross energy (GE) were significantly higher in the diet containing NaOH — treated maize cobs (diet B) than the diet containing the untreated maize cobs (diet A). Addition of sucrose (purified cane sugar) at 37 level to the NaOH-treated maize cobs (diet C) produced a slight increase in voluntary feed consumption but did not have any significant effect on nutrient digestibility when compared with diet B. Relative intake (RI), nutritive value index (NVI) and digestible energy (DE) intake values were significantly higher in diets B and C. Average daily weight gains were also significantly higher in the diets containing NaOH-treated maize cobs (diets B and C), while the efficiency of feed utilization values were closely related to the daily weight gains.

Feeding value of shrimp waste meal for West African Dwarf sheep fed soybean stover basal diet

A degradability and feeding trial was carried out to estimate the utilization of soybean stover (SBS), Shrimp waste meal (SWM) and their mixtures (SBS+SWM) in West African Dwarf sheep. Sole sammples of SBS&lt; SWM and mixture of SBS+SWM were incubated in the rumen of castrated West African Dwarf rams. Degradation lasted 48 hours. Feeding trial entailed feding levels (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%) of SWM to a sole SBS diet. The growth study lasted for eight weeks. Results obtained in the degradability trial showed that there were significant (P&lt;0.05) differnces in the dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), and acid detergentfibre (ADF) degradability parameters for the feedstuffs. The effective DM degradability 'ED' was highest in SBS (343.0g/kg) and lowest in SWM (250.0g/kg). Crude protein effective degradability 'ED' ranged between 101.0 and 301.0g/kg for SBS and SBS+SWM respectively. NDF 'ED' ranged between 398.6g/kg for SWM and 815.7g/kg for SBS. ADF degradation characteristics for the constituents were also significantly (P&lt;0.05) different with the soluble fraction 'a' values ranging between 126.0 and 624.0g/kg. When graded levels of shrimp waste meal was used as supplement to soybean stover, there were significant differences (P&lt;0.05) in the average daily weight gain, which ranged from 9.52 to 22.85gd-1.The mean live weight gain was highest at 10% level of inclusion. Average daily DM intake increased significantly (P&lt;0.05) with increasing level of SWM in the diet. The sole soybean stover diet however had the least DMI. MD, OM, NDF and ADF apparent digestibility coefficients were not significantly affected by the treatment imposed. CP digestibiliy increased (P&lt;0.05) with increasing level of SWM to peak at the 15% level of inclusion (0.767) compared to the sole SBS treatment (0.593). Nitrogen balance was significantly (P&lt;0.05) increased as the level of inclusion of SWM increased. Results suggest that feeding soybean stover as roughage along with up to 10% SWM to sheep may be sufficient to meet the requirements for weight gain and proper nutrient utilization

Evaluation of Carcass and Non-carcass Characteristics of West African Dwarf Rams Fed Bambusa vulgaris Leaves with Neem Seed Cake and Guinea Grass

Eighteen West African Dwarf rams balanced for weight (8.00 ± 0.20kg) were fed with Bambusa vulgaris leaves with neem seed cake and guinea grass to evaluate their carcass and non-carcass characteristics. The rams were assigned to three dietary treatments in a completely randomized design with six rams per treatment. The compared dietary treatments were as follows. Diet A(70% guinea grass and 30% concentrate diet); diet B(mixture of 50% Bambusa vulgaris leaves with 20% neem seed cake and 30% concentrate diet) and diet C(combination of 45% Bambusa vulgaris leaves with 25% neem seed and 30% concentrate diet). The results showed that diet A was significantly (P &lt; 0.05) higher in average total feed intake (11.13kg), chilling losses (15.04%) and rumen / reticulum (2.04%) than diets B and C. Slaughter weight (11.33kg), empty body weight (10.32kg), hot and cold carcass weights (6.01 &amp; 5.54kg), hot and cold carcass yield (53.05 &amp; 48.90%), true yield (58.24%), liver (2.01%), kidneys (1.12%) and lungs (1.35%) were significantly (P &lt; 0.05) higher in diet B than diet A or C. No significant difference (P &gt; 0.05) observed in initial body weight, heart, spleen, omasum, abomasums, blood, skin and head among the treatment diets. It could be concluded that mixture of 50% Bambusa vulgaris leaves with 20% neem seed cake and 30% concentrate diet has the potential to improve carcass and non-carcass characteristics of West African Dwarf rams.

Performance characteristics and blood profile of rams fed mixture of bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris) leaves and neem (Azadirachta indica) seed cake

The study was carried out to assess the performance characteristics and blood profile of growing rams fed mixture of bamboo leaves and neem seed cake. Eighteen West African dwarf rams with an average weight of 8.00±0.20kg and aged between 8-9 months were randomly allotted to three dietary treatments with six animals per treatment group in a completely randomized design. The diets compared were TD1 (70% Guinea grass with 30% concentrate diet which was the control group), TD2 (mixture of 50% bamboo leaves with 20% neem seed cake and 30% concentrate diet) and TD3 (combination of 45% bamboo leaves with 25% neem seed cake and 30% concentrate diet). The results obtained indicated that average total feed intake (11.13kg), average daily feed intake (132.50g), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (33.35g/dL), glucose (59.01mg/dL), cholesterol (42.89mg/dL), creatinine (1.01mg/dL) and urea (13.73mg/dL) were significantly (P&lt;0.05) better with animals on TD1 . Animals on TD2 had the highest values in terms of finial body weight (11.33kg), average total weight gain (3.27kg), average daily weight gain (38.93g), total digestible nutrient (68.97%), packed cell volume (30.06%), haemoglobin (10.68g/dl), red blood cell (9.42 x 106/.ml), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (11.70Pg), total protein(8.09g/dL), albumin (3.03g/dL), and globulin (5.06g/dL). Feed conversion ratio (4.27), mean corpuscular volume (30.95fl) and white blood cell (2.56 x 103/mL) were significantly highest for animals on TD3. No significant (P&gt;0.05) difference existed between the experimental rams with regards to initial body weight, lymphocyte, neutrophile. It was concluded that combination of 50% bamboo leaves with 20% of neem seed cake and 30% concentrate diet improved performance, haematological and serum biochemical indices for growing rams