West African Dwarf Sheep Research Articles

Genetic diversity of the Cameroon Western Highlands’ Djallonke sheep assessed by Mitochondrial d-loop

Indigenous livestock resources are strategic in the socio-economic of rural agricultural systems to ensure food and nutritional security in resource-poor countries. In Cameroon, small ruminant farming significantly contributes to food security and income generation. Given its great ecological variety, Cameroon hosts a large genetic diversity of sheep, but the knowledge on these is scanty. In order to contribute to a better understanding of the genetic diversity of Cameroon's Ovine genetic resources for their better use and conservation, an analysis of the Djallonke sheep genetic diversity based on the D loop of the ovine mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) was performed on the highlands of West Cameroon Djallonke breed. To achieve this, analyses of 16 sequences of a 989bp fragment of the mtDNA D-loop region from the population were conducted in conjunction with previously published sequences from African, European, Japanese and Chinese ovine genotypes. Fourteen haplotypes were observed with a high mean haplotype diversity of 1.0000±0.027, nucleotide diversity (π) of order of 0.11082±0.062. The average nucleotide difference between sequences taken two by two was 62.945. Population specific FST indices showed a negative and significant result for the whole data set. The phylogenetic tree indicates that the mitochondrial lineages of these sheep breeds originated from a common source, the Haplogroup B. This confirms the hypothesis that the domestication of African sheep was carried out in successive waves from Asia. The results of this study contribute to the knowledge of Cameroon sheep breeds and the plan conservation programs on Djallonke sheep.

Effect of incorporation of sun-dried rumen digesta in the diet on nutrient intake and growth performance of Djallonke sheep

Sun-dried rumen digesta (SDRD) was used as replacement of soybean meal and evaluated its effect on in vitro digestible organic matter, microbial count, nutrient digestibility, blood profile, growth and carcass characteristics of Djallonke sheep. Four S DRD-based concentrate supplements (0, 4, 8 and 12% SDRD) were incubated in a buffered rumen fluid for 24 h and 72 h to estimate the organic matter digestibility and degradation characteristics. Sixteen Djallonke rams (12.4±2.4 kg, 10 to 12 months old) were randomly assigned to four SDRD based concentrates with rice straw as the basal diet and replicated four times in a completely randomized design. They were individually fed over a 63 day period. There was significant difference (p<0.05) in the in vitro digestible organic matter (IVDOM) with the lowest value in 8% SDRD. Lactic acid bacteria were detected in the SDRD-based concentrates. Total dry matter and organic matter intakes were not significantly (p>0.05) affected by the inclusion of SDRD. However, crude protein intake was significantly (p<0.05) lower in 8% SDRD compared to 12% SDRD. Rams fed SDRD-based concentrate had similar final body weight and weight gain as the control. Haematology, serum profile and carcass characteristics of the rams were not significantly (p>0.05) affected by the dietary treatments. It was concluded that sun-dried rumen digesta used in this study can effectively replace soybean meal (up to 12%) without any effect on digestibility and growth performance of sheep.

Physiological response of WAD sheep fed different combinations of Guinea grass and ensiled Alternanthera brasiliana (L.) O. Kuntze based diets: Intake, haematology and serum biochemical indices

Animal feed shortages characterize the long dry season in most Sub-Saharan African countries. Studies exploring alternative feedstuffs with similar or complementary nutritional efficacy to the conventional ones are seriously canvassed. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of feeding West African Dwarf (WAD) sheep with different combinations of guinea grass and ensiled A. brasiliana based diets on their intake, haematology, and biochemical indices. A total of 30 growing female WAD sheep (BW =10.5 ± 0.92 kg; mean ± SD), 12–18 months of age were allocated to five dietary treatments containing different inclusion levels of ensiled A. brasiliana (0%, 30%, 45%, 60% and 90%) in a trial that lasted for 90 days. Intakes were estimated daily and body weight changes taken weekly. Blood concentrations of haemoglobin, packed cell volume, white blood cells, differential white blood counts (lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils), red blood cells, total protein, albumin, globulin, creatinine and cholesterol were also determined. The total dry matter intake (DMI) increased (P < 0.05) with increasing inclusion levels of A. brasiliana. While the feed conversion ratio decreased (P < 0.05), the final weight and average daily gain significantly increased (P < 0.05) with increasing levels ensiled A. brasiliana. The red blood cell, creatinine, globulin, cholesterol, white blood cell and its differentials were not affected (P > 0.05) by the inclusion levels of A. brasiliana. However, the total protein and albumin were influenced (P < 0.05) by inclusion levels of A. brasiliana. The inclusion levels of A. brasiliana up to 90% promote growth and were not harmful to the ewes.

Nutritional quality, digestibility and growth performance of sheep fed fodder obtained from early-or-late-maturing groundnuts cultivars

This study determined the digestibility and growth performance of sheep fed groundnut fodder obtained from early- or late-maturing cultivars. Early-maturing cultivars (90 days) included Chinese, Yenyawoso and Sumnut 23 whereas late-maturing cultivars (110 to 120 days) were Sumnut 22, Azivivi and Manipinta. Each variety was cultivated on 4 replicated fields. At maturity, all the cultivars were harvested. The pods were separated from the haulms (leaves and twigs) and equal portions of the haulms were composited into early- or late-maturing cultivars. Each of the composited haulms was then dried and chopped to a theoretical length of 3–4 cm before being used to formulate two diets that were fed to twenty-two West African Dwarf sheep (14.75±2.52 kg) in a 45-d feeding trial. Two ruminally-cannulated Nungua Black Head sheep were used to determine the digestion kinetics of the fodder in an in situ digestibility experiment whereas in vitro digestibility of the fodder at 48 h was also assessed. The early-maturing cultivars had higher concentrations of acid detergent fibre (ADF; P = 0.01) and acid detergent lignin (ADL; P = 0.02) but lower (P = 0.02) concentration of dry matter (92.4 vs. 93.3%) compared to the late-maturing cultivars. The concentration of silica differed between the two cultivars by 44%, as it tended (P = 0.08) to be higher in the late-maturing compared to the early- maturing cultivars (2.6 vs. 1.8%). The higher concentrations of ADF and ADL in the early-maturing cultivars reduced (P = 0.03) the extent of digestion of this fodder compared to the late-maturing cultivars (43.9 vs. 52.1% DM). Growth performance of sheep fed the groundnut fodder did not differ statistically (P ≥ 0.69). This study concludes that late-maturing cultivars produced more DM and had less recalcitrant fibre constituents (ADF and ADL) than early-maturing cultivars. Improvements in the extent of digestion of the late-maturing groundnut cultivars did not reflect in the growth performance of sheep fed the late-maturing groundnut fodder.

Growth Response, Carcass Yield and Meat Quality of West African Dwarf Sheep Fed Graded Level of Shea Cake Meal

Growth response, carcass characteristics and meat quality of West African Dwarf (WAD) sheep fed Shea Cake Meal (SCM) supplement was investigated. A total of 24 WAD sheep of average body weight ranges from 11-12.65 kg comprising of twelve (12) males and twelve (12) females were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments with six animals per treatment in a completely randomized design in a twelve (12) weeks experimental period. Treatment 1 was control and had no inclusion of SCM. Treatments 2, 3 and 4 had 10%, 15% and 20% inclusion of SCM. Results were significantly different (P&lt;0.05) across treatments. Average weight gain ranged from 10.0 kg (SCM-10) to 13.12 kg (SCM-15). T3 recorded highest values for average feed intake (AFI) at a record value of 63.50 kg. T2 had the least feed conversion ratio of 4.81. The carcass quality and sensory evaluation were significantly affected (P&lt;0.05) across the treatments. Hot carcass weight (HCW) ranged from 18.90 kg (SCM-10) to 20.85 kg (SCM-15). Cold carcass weight was recorded 18.05 kg (SCM-10) and 19.95 kg (SCM-20), respectively. Minimum chilling loss of 3.96% was recorded at SCM-15 inclusion level. Animals on SCM-15 inclusion recorded the highest value of 7.55, 7.25 and 7.25 respectively for appearance, tenderness and overall acceptability. SCM-20 had highest value of 7.50 for juiciness compared to SCM-10 and SCM-15 with recorded values of 6.80 and 7.20, respectively. The study showed that all the dietary inclusion was satisfactory as feed for small ruminants without any deleterious effect on their performance as well as on carcass yield and meat quality. Inclusion level of SCM-15 supplement had highest overall performance when fed to (WAD) sheep.

Epidemiology and spatio-temporal distribution of gastrointestinal parasites infection and accuracy of FAMACHA test in sheep in traditional farming systems in Burkina Faso.

Blood and faecal samples from 2086 Sahelian and Djallonke sheep have been collected to assess the epidemiology and spatio-temporal distribution of gastrointestinal parasites. A survey with a questionnaire allowed collecting data on individual animal and farms. Faecal samples were analysed using the McMaster technique, while anaemia was assessed using FAMACHA score test and packed cell volume. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was 91%, and strongyles (70.7%), Eimeria sp. (60.4%), Moniezia sp. (5.7%), Stronyloides sp. (0.9%) were identified. There was no significant association between the region and strongyles infection (P ˃ 0.05). Animals sampled during the rainy season (n = 565; P = 82.2%, mean EPG = 154.8 ± 12.02) were mostly and heavily infected than those from the hot dry (n = 518; P = 74.2%; mean EPG = 97.7 ± 17.4) and the cold dry season (n = 392; P = 55.5%; mean EPG = 24.5 ± 19.5) (P ˂ 0.05). Females (n = 1027; P = 72.1%; mean EPG = 77.6 ± 17) were most infected than males (n = 448; P = 67.7%; mean EPG = 61.6 ± 19.5) (P ˂ 0.05). Animals that were treated, at most 3 months before sampling (n = 166; P = 61.5%; mean EPG = 41.7 ± 21.4), were less infected than those, which received this treatment after three months before sampling (n = 199; P = 74.8%; mean EPG = 89.1 ± 15.8) (P ˂ 0.05). Data from blood samples indicate that 6.5% of sheep was anaemic (PCV ≤ 19%), while 59.7% was noted anaemic regarding FAMACHA scores. PCV values varied significantly for FAMACHA scores, and the highest mean value was noted for score 1 (27.6) (P ˂ 0.05). The Cohen's kappa score between FAMACHA and PCV was 0.02. These findings suggest that strongyles infections are significantly associated with season, and heavier infections were noted during rainy season.

Phytosociological Surveys and Monitoring of the Bromatological Parameters According to the Age of Regrowth of Savannah Pastures Perfectly Reconstituted in the Central Zone of Côte d'Ivoire

Although pastures in central (Affouvansou) Côte d'Ivoire are abundant, signs of undernutrition are observed in the animals towards the end of wintering, possibly due to insufficient quality pastures, poor grass quality, or poor herd distribution. Using the in-vivo digestibility method, bromatological monitoring of the fodder from these pastures was carried out according to the development age of the regrowth using Djallonke sheep. The objective is to help in the judicious use of these pastures. At regrowth age intervals between the 4th and 8th week, the nitrogen content in the grass decreases, the energy value increases at 6 weeks, and decreases slightly to remain at a correct value in the following weeks. Due to its nitrogen value, this pasture can be classified as a more or less poor quality savannah fodder. However, the savannah studied is of excellent quality from an energy point of view at 5 - 6 weeks of regrowth age. Depending on the nitrogen value, the forage can be said to be of average quality from the 5th to the 7th week. Beyond 8 weeks, the forage is of poor quality. The nitrogen content is therefore a limiting factor here. It cannot meet the maintenance needs of the UBT. It, makes sense to use the pastures in the center of the country between the 6th and 7th week of regrowth to get the most out of it.

Functional characterization of Copy Number Variations regions in Djallonké sheep.

A total of 184 Djallonké (West African Dwarf) sheep of Burkina Faso were analysed for Copy Number Variations (CNV) using Ovine 50K SNP BeadChip genotyping data and two different CNV calling platforms: PennCNV and QuantiSNP. Analyses allowed to identify a total of 63 candidate Copy Number Variations Regions (CNVR) on 11 different ovine chromosomes covering about 82.5Mb of the sheep genome. Gene-annotation enrichment analysis allowed to identify a total of 751 potential candidate ovine genes located in the candidate CNVR bounds. Functional annotation allowed to identify five statistically significant Functional Clusters (FC; enrichment factor >1.3) involving 61 candidate genes. All genes forming significantly enriched FC were located on ovine chromosome (OAR) 21. FC1 (22 genes including PAG4 and PAG6) and FC5 (three genes: CTSC, CTSW and CTSF), coding proteases (peptidases and cathepsins, respectively), were involved in reproductive performance and modulation of gestation. Both FC3 and FC4 were involved in inflammatory and immunologic response through coding serum amyloid A and B-box-type zinc finger proteins, respectively. Finally, FC2 consisted of 27 genes (including OR10G6 and OR8B8) involved in olfactory receptor activity, key for animals adapting to new food resources. CNVR identified on at least 15% of individuals were considered CNVR hotspots and further overlapped with previously reported quantitative trait loci (QTL). CNVR hotspots spanning genes putatively involved with lipid metabolism (SKP1, TCF7, JADE2, UBE2B and SAR1B) and differential expression in mammary gland (SEC24A and CDKN2AIPNL) on OAR5 and dairy traits (CCDC198 and SLC35F4) on OAR7 overlapped with QTL associated with lipid metabolism, milk protein yield and milk fat percentage. Information obtained from local sheep populations naturally adapted to harsh environments contributes to increase our understanding of the genomic importance of CNV.

Hematological, serum biochemical and histopathological effects of selected herbs and combinations on Trypanosoma brucei infected West African dwarf sheep

Abstract. Olatunde OA, Jegede HO, Ameen SA. 2021. Hematological, serum biochemical and histopathological effects of selected herbs and combinations on Trypanosoma brucei infected West African dwarf sheep. Asian J Nat Prod Biochem 19: 10-16. The present work was carried out to study the hematological, serum biochemical and histopathological effects of selected herbal diets on trypanosome infected West African dwarf sheep. Five herbal incorporated diets were tested where A is control diet, B is Citrus aurantifolia; C is Ocimum gratissimum, D is Vernonia amygdalina + Citrus aurantifolia and E is Ocimum gratissimum + Vernonia amygdalina. Sheep on Diets E, A, C, B, and D consumed 856.4g/d, 830g/d, 750.0g/d. 734.0g/d and 687.0g/d respectively showing more acceptability to diet E. Additionally, sheep on Diet E was highest in RBC, WBC, Hb, lymphocyte, PCV and basophils. The least hematological indices were recorded for the animals on Control diet (A) showing that all herbal diets improved blood indices of the infected sheep. The ALP concentration was significantly different (17.000i.u/l) in Diet B compared to other Diets while the least ALP was noted for sheep on Diets A and B. Herbs and combinations used in this study significantly improved both hematological and pathological lesions seen in experimental trypanosomosis caused by Trypanosoma brucei infection in sheep. Best results were gotten from Diet E combinations.

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;

Principal component regression of the morphostructural traits of West African dwarf sheep

Evaluation of body weight and seven morphostructural traits (body length, wither's height, rump height, fore cannon bone length, chest depth, hip width and hearth girth) of 200 West African dwarf (WAD) sheep of age range 0-1, 1-2, 2-3 and 3-4 was used in determining age and sex effects using General linear model procedure. The sheep were traditionally managed in flocks of southern and north central Nigeria. Interdependence magnitude (redundancy) was estimated to be positive and significant through pearson's correlation estimates between body weight and linear body dimensions (r = 0.04 - 0.81, P&lt;0.01). Among the linear type traits, highest correlation was observed between body weight and hearth girth in males (r = 0.85) and females (r = 0.81) respectively. Multicollinearity contrast at variance inflation factor (VIF) threshold 3.0 was found to be most associated with rump height, hearth girth and body length; with low tolerance modules. Collinearity effects were further orchestrated with computations of eigen values, condition indexes and variance proportions. The component solution through VARIMAX orthogonal rotation generated one principal component for WAD sheep of age range 0-2 years, and two principal components for age range 2-4 years, The principal component based on regression models revealed, body weight was best predicted from heart girth, and combination of rump height and wither's height measurements.

Assessment of oxidative stress indicators of West African Dwarf sheep under semi intensive management system

Oxidative stress results from increased production of free radicals and reactive oxygen species, and a decrease in antioxidant defense. This study was conducted to assess sexual dimorphism in serum biochemistry and oxidative status of West African dwarf lambs. Sixteen each of rams and ewes 8months old were randomly selected from a herd purchase from livestock market, Oyo. The average body weights of the lambs were 12.08±3.26 and 12.76kg ewes and rams, respectively. Fastened blood samples were collected from the sheep and assayed for serum biochemical, lipid peroxidation, total antioxidant activity, catalase and superoxide dismutase using standard procedures, data obtained were subjected to T-test. The result indicated that both sex had similar serum biochemical indices except total protein. Ewes had significantly higher serum protein than ram. Rams had apparently higher total antioxidant activity and significantly higher serum catalase activity than ewes, while serum lipid peroxidation and superoxide dismutase were statistically similar in both sexes. This indicates that rams have better antioxidant activity than ewes. During oxidative stress prone conditions and environment, measures to boost antioxidant activity of ewes should be emphasized.

OPTIMAL BREEDING AGE FOR THE WEST AFRICAN DWARF SHEEP IN IBADAN

Observations on the age at first breeding of West African Dwarf Sheep at the University of Ibadan. Nigeria showed that the optimal age and weight at 1st breeding of young ewes was not less than eleven months and at least 13kg respectively When mated earlier, the incidence of abortion in­creased and lambs tended to the smaller at birth. In ewes mated at older ages the lengthening of the generation internal was unacceptable. The relalionuship between weight (4 ) and age (X) from four to 56 weeks was estitnated as: Y (kg) = 3.12 + 9.62 x — 0.02 x 2 + 0.0002 x 3 for singles. or Y =2.59 + 0.46 x = 0.01 x2 + 0.0001 x 3 for Mins.

Mineral and fibre intake of West African dwarf sheep fed boiled cocoa seed testa and sorghum malt dust in cassava root meal based diets

The study was carried out to investigate the mineral and fibre intake of Sheep fed Cocoa Seed Testa (CST) and Sorghum Malt Dust (SMD) in cassava root meal based diets. The feeding trial was conducted on the feed intake response of West African Dwarf (WAD) sheep in a completely randomized experimental design using boiled CST and SMD based-diets. A total of twenty-eight sheep were randomly allocated to 11 – 13 months of age of CST at 10, 20 and 30% levels, SMD at 10, 20 and 30% levels and a control. The experiment lasted 90 days. Data generated were computed and subjected to a one-way analysis of variance. In the trial, the Neutral Detergent Fibre (NDF), Acid Detergent Fibre (ADF), Acid Detergent Lignin (4DL), Cellulose and Hemicellulose intake increase as the level of CST increased in the diet except for animals in treatment 3 (30% inclusion of CST). Also, NDF, ADF, ADL, Cellulose and Hemicellulose increased as the level of inclusion of SMD increased in the diet except treatment 6 (30% inclusion of SMD). The NDF intake from forage decreased as the level of SMD in the diets. The mineral intake Phosphorus, Calcium, Potassium, Magnesium, Iron, Zinc and Sulphur also followed the same pattern. The mineral intake increased as the level of inclusion of ČST and SMD increased in the diet except in treatment 3 (30% inclusion of CST) and treatment 6 (30% inclusion of SMD) where the value obtained dropped. It was concluded that minerals available in the diets containing boiled Cocoa Seed Testa and Sorghum Malt Dust were significantly (p&lt;0.05) better in their utilization by sheep that consumed boiled Sorghum Malt Dust based diets.

Effects of Leucaena leucocephala supplementation to basal hay on Energy and Protein metabolism in West African. Dwarf sheep

Energy and protein utilization and quantitative retention of protein, fat and energy was investigated with twelve castrated West African Dwarf (WAD) sheep averaging (23.0 h 2.4 kg BW) in nitrogen and energy balance trials. Dried leaves of Leucaena leucocephala were offered as supplement at two levels 25% (diet 2) and 50% (diet 3) of dry matter intake (DM1), replacing hay in the basal hay diet. The basal hay diet without supplementation was the control. Measurements were performed by means of nitrogen and carbon balances and with the use of indirect calorimetry The digestibility and utilization of protein were influenced (P&lt;0.05) by supplementation. Metabolisability of energy (ME/ GE) was on the average 42.9 (SEM 4.3)% being significantly (P&lt;0.05) different among treatments. Diet 2 had a higher (P&lt;0.05) retained protein (9.6 g/d) compared with the control diet and hence a superior (P&lt;0.05) protein utilization than the control and diet 3, respectively. It was concluded that Leucaena leuccocephala improved protein utilization and retention in WAD sheep.

The West African Dwarf Sheep I. Reproductive Performance and Growth

THE study of the West African Dwarf flock at the University of Ibadan revealed that these sheep under moderately improved management, but without a breeding and selection programe were considerably better than they have been generally given credit for. West African Dwarf ewes are prolific and early maturing. The sheep are small and have finished their growth by the age of two years. Average daily gain up to three months was 85 g and from three months to two years, 31 g. Mortality of lambs with 20% up to three months of age, however, is still too high and should be reduced by improved pest and disease control.

Age- and sex-dependent regression parameters for estimating live weight frim body measurements of West African Dwarf sheep

The relationships between live weight and eight body measurements of West African Dwarf (WAD) sheep were studied using 300 animals under farm condition. The animals were categorized based on age and sex. Data obtained on height at withers (HW), heart girth (HG), body length (BL), head length (HL), length of hindquarter (LHQ), width of hindquarter (WHQ), head width(HDW), and loin girth (LG) were fitted into simple linear (change in body measurement is directly proportional to weight or body size), allometric (body measurements do not necessarily change in direct proportion to weight or body size), and multiple linear regression models to predict live weight from the body measurements according to age group and sex. Results showed that live weight and body measurements of ewe were higher than that of the ram. Live weight, HG, HW, WHQ, LG, BL, LHQ, HL, and HW increased with the age of the animals. In multiple linear regression model, WHQ, LHQ, HW, HL and HDW best fit the model for sheep aged ≤1; HG, LG, BL and HDW for 2 year-old sheep; HG, BL, and HL best fit the model for sheep 3 years age group; LHQ best fit the model for sheep of 4 years of age; while HL best fits sheep that were in 5 year age category. Coefficients of determination (R2) values for linear and allometric models for predicting the live weight of WAD sheep increased with age in all the body measurements (HW, HG, BL, HL, LHQ, WHQ, HDW and LG). Sex had significant influence on the model with R2 values consistently higher in females except the models for LHQ, WHQ, LG and BL were they the same with the males. Based on R2 values, it was concluded that both linear and allometric regression models could be used to predict live weight from body measurements of WAD sheep. &#x0D;

THE NUTRITIVE VALUE OF HAY FROM FOUR GRASS SPECIES CUT AT THREE STAGES OF GROWTH AT IBADAN

Four grass species namely: Cynodon nlemfuensis var robustus (M); Pennisetum purpureum Schum (N); Cynodon nlemfuensis var nlemfuensis (P); and Panicum maximum Jacq. (Q), each between the 4th and 5th, 6th and 7th, and 8th and 9th week of regrowth, was cut in the fourth and fifth years of grazing for hay (i. e. in 1972 and 1973). Digestion trials with West African dwarf sheep showed that there were significant differences in the extent to which the dry matter of the different grass species was digested (P 0.001) and among the stages of growth (P 0.01). The differences between animals within and between treatments and the interactions between treatments and periods of cutting were statistically not significant. The differences among treatment means indicated that treatment Q (68.5 ± 2.73%) was digested better than treatment M (54.9 ± 7.18%, P 0.001), and treatments N and P (60.3 ± 5.37% and 58.7 ± 5.30% P 0.01) respectively. The digestibility of crude protein was generally low in each of the grass specie studied. This is probably a reflection of the low crude protein content of the grass hays which was below 9 percent of dry matter. It ranged from approximately 27.3 percent in treatment N for the 6th week regrowth hay to 51.9 percent in treatment Q for the hay harvested in the 8th week of regrowth. The differences among treatments, stage of maturity, and the interactions between treatments and stage of cutting were not statistically significant. Significant differences between treatments were observed in the digestion of the energy content of the feeds (P 0.001). Treatments N and Q were better digested than M and P (P 0.05). Expressed on metabolic size basis, the intakes of dry matter, crude protein, and energy showed significant differences between treatments and between ages at harvest. The intakes of dry matter in treatments Q, M, and P were significantly higher (P 0.05) than treatment N while there was more dry matter taken from the 4th and 8th week hays than from the hays made from the species harvested in the 6th week of regrowth (P 0.01). More crude protein was consumed per kg0.75 in treatments M, P and Q than in treatment N (P 0.01), and in treatment M than Q (P 0.05). There were higher protein intakes from hays made in the 4th and 8th than those made in 6th week of regrowth (P 0.05). Treatment Q supplied more energy per kgl. 75 than treatments M, P and N (P 0.05), while more energy was consumed per kilogramme of metabolic size in treatment P than in treatment N (P 0.05).&#x0D; Nutritive Value of Hay. The intake of digestible crude protein was relatively low and this probably accounted for the losses in the liveweight of the experimental animals. The results of the experiment are suggestive of the need for supplementary protein feed during the dry season if animals are to make any liveweight gains.

Endogenous Losses of Nitrogen and Protein Requirement for Maintenance of Sheep

FOUR fistulated and four intact West African dwarf Sheep, maintained on hay and concentrate supplements were used for a study of metabolic faecal nitrogen (MEN) endogenous urinary nitrogen (EUN). The composition of the faecal losses was examined. The values obtained enabled calculation of nitrogen requirement of the sheep for maintenance, as well as the value of the experimental rations in the nutrition of the sheep. Values of MFN obtained by two methods were 3.31 and 3.10 g/kg Dry matter (DM) intake. Endogenous urinary nitrogen value was 0.024 g/day per metabolic weight (Wkg0.75.) Analysis of the faeces of the sheep showed that 21.1% of faecal nitrogen (N) were present as microbial and endogenous nitrogen (MEN) and 17.3% was present as water-soluble nitrogen. The biological values (BV) of the rations ranged from 85.7% to 100.0% and the digestibility for maintenance, were 1.20 and 0.41 g/day/Wkg 0.75 during the feeding trials. Values obtained for endogenous N losses and N requirement for low maintenance were low compared with reported values and this may indicate adaptation of the dwarf sheep for survival under inadequate dietary protein supply.

Effects of Age and Sex on Liveweight and Body Composition of the West African Dwarf Sheep

SIXTEEN animals selected from the sheep flock of the University were divided into four age-groups [4, 30, 150-180 and 360-420 days) with each group consisting of two males and two females. They were weighed just before slaughter to obtain their live-weights. Weights of drainable blood, head, hot carcass, trotters, intestinal and stomach contents, liver, kidney, heart, spleen and lungs were recorded and expressed as percentage of the ingesta-free body or empty body weight [E.B.W.]. &#x0D; All body components measured increased in weight with increasing age, but when expressed as percentage of the E.B.W., showed a progressive decrease with advancing age, except the stomach and intestinal contents. The percent moisture content of the visceral organs decreased with advancing age while the percent crude protein and ether extracts increased with age. &#x0D; Sex effects on live-weight and weights of some body components were not apparent at the early age-groups. At maturity however, the males generally had higher values for the various body components. Similarly, the chemical composition of the visceral organs showed very little sex differ ences before maturity; after this stage the males consistently had higher moisture and crude protein values and lower either extracts values than the females.