West African Dwarf Sheep Research Articles

Sweet potato as a ruminant feed: Performance of sheep fed mixtures of the forage and root.

Scarcity of quality forage during the dry season poses a serious problem to ruminant production in southwest Nigeria. Dried sweet potato (SP) vine and root have the potential to bridge the gap in feed supply for ruminants during this period. In a feeding trial, fifteen male West African dwarf (WAD) sheep were used to estimate the nutritive value of SP forage and root as a basat feed for ruminants during the dry season. Experimental diets consisted of SP forage and root in the following proportions, 0:100, 25:75, 50:50, 75:25, and 100:0 (forage. root). In the first part of the trial, growing WAD sheep were fed experimental diets for twenty weeks. Dry matter (DM) intake and growth rate of the animals were measured in the second part, digestibility and nitrogen balance of sheep fed the experimental diets were measured. Intake, growth rate, digestibility and nitrogen retention improved significantly (P < 0.05) when SP forage and root were mixed in the diet. The DM intake ranged from 1.8 to 4.9% body weight; growth rate, -34.1 to 86.43 g/day; DM digestibility, 64.6 to 70.4%; and nitrogen retained, 29.5 to 51.0%. Performance, digestibility and nitrogen utilization of WAD sheep was highest when SP forage and root formed equal proportions (50:50) in the diet. Mixing SP forage and root in the diet proved beneficial to growing sheep and equal proportions of the forage and root in the diet appear to be the most appropriate combination.

Storage characteristics, digestibility and nitrogen balance in west african dwarf sheep fed preserved elephant grass, caged layer waste and cassava peel diets during dry season

The storage characteristics, digestibility and nitrogen balance of three experimental diets consisting of elephant grass at 45, 40 and 35%, and caged layer waste at 25, 30 and 35 %, respectively with fixed quantity of cassava Deels and sawdust ash at 28 % und 2 %, respectively were assessed using West African Dwarf sheep. Result showed that there was a significant (P<0.05) reduction in the nutrient composition of the feed in terms of DM, CP, ash, NFE, Pand K while the contents of EE, NDF, ADF, ADL, Ca, Mg, Na, Zn, Fe, Cu and Mn were not influenced (P>0.015) by the length of storage. Apparent digestibility of DM, CP, ash and NDF was high but not significantly affected by the composition of the experimental diets. However, digestibilities of CF, ADF and ADL were significantly higher (P<0.05) in rams offered diets 1 and 2 than the rams fed diet 3. Nitrogen balance in the rams fed the experimental diets was high (69.04 to 74.90% of intake) but similar (P>0.05) among the treatments. It was concluded that the experimental diets have good potentials for dry season feeding of small ruminants.

UDDER SIZE AND MILK PRODUCTION POTENTIALS OF GOATS AND SHEEP IN THE SOUTH WEST OF NIGERIA

Twelve adult lactating goats and sheep (2 to 2 ½ years old) comprising three groups of four each of West African Dwarf (WAD) goats and sheep and Yankasa ewes used for a nine week trial. The animals kidded and lambed between January and March. During these periods the udder sizes of the dams were measured weekly before hand milking thrice a week to derermine the milk yield. Samples of the milk were analysed for their composition. The results showed that the udder size increased with increasing milk yield (112 – 248ml) up to the peak of lactation which was between weeks 3 and 4 after parturition. Thereafter it decreased in size till the end of the experiment. The coefficient of variation (CV) of the udder size was influenced by breed. Udder size was positively correlated with milk yield. Milk yields were generally low or and ranged between 39 and 70ml and this was dependent on the behavior of the lactation curve. The milk protein and ash contents for the three breeds were comparable to those of the temperate breeds. Though Yankasa sheep exhibited the highest milk production potential, yet the peculiar characteristics of goat milk cannot be overlooked.

COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF THE BLOOD MINERAL STATUS OF WEST AFRICAN DWARF SHEEP AND GOATS MANAGED UNDER EXTENSIVE AND SEMI-INTENSIVE SYSTEMS OF MANAGEMENT

A total of eighty (80) animals comprising of forty (40) each of West African Dwarf sheep and goats, averagely weighting 25.33 ± 2.50kg and 15.13 ± 1.0kg, respectively were used in an experiment at the Small Ruminant Unit of the Teaching and Research Farms of the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta and Olugbo village via Odeda in Odeda Local Government area of Ogun State. The forty animals from each species were divided into two groups of twenty (20) animals each and were randomly selected and managed under extensive system (ES)and semi intensive system (SIS0. 10ml) of blood sample from individual animal was drawn from each animal and analyzed for their mineral concentration of Ca, P, K, Na, Cu, Fe, Zn and Mn. The main effect of the system of management significantly influenced the concentration of both major and trace minerals of sheep and goats except P and Cu. Sheep and goats under ES had higher (P < 0.05) concentration of Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn and Mn. The concentrations of K and Na were higher (P < 0.05) in sheep and goats under SIS. No significant (P > 0.05) interaction effect on Ca and P concentration was 0bserved, although goats raised under both systems exhibited higher Ca and P concentrations than sheep. However, significant interactions (P < 0.05) of animal special and management systems was observed in the plasma concentrations of Mg, K, Na, Fe, Cu, Zn and Mn with no noticeable trend being following. It was concluded that irrespective of the animal species (Sheep or goats) and management systems, Ca and P supplementation is necessary to ensure optimum productivity of the animals

Genetic and non-genetic factors affecting the performance of West African Dwarf (WAD), Yankasa (YAN) and WAD X YAN lambs in the tropics

Genetic and non-genetic factors affecting performance of sheep at the Teaching and Research farm of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria were studied from 2005-2006. Genetic groups involved were 8 West African Dwarf sheep (WAD), 10 Yankasa (YAN) and 10 WAD X YAN (XBD). Data were analysed using General Linear Model of least squares analysis of variance to test the influence of genetic group, sex, season and age on weights and linear body measurements such as height at withers (HT), body length (BL), Neck length (NL), Neck circumference (NC), heart girth (HG), Foreleg length (FL), Hind leg length (HL), Face length (FA), Ear length (EA), Headwidth (HW), shoulder width (SW), tail length (TL) and Rump height (RH). Weight, HT, BL, HG, FL, HL, FL, EL, TL and RH were significantly affected by genetic group. Female lambs weighed 0.75kg more than the males (p<0.01). Season of birth had significant effect on WT (p<0.0001), HT (p<0.01), NL (p<0.001), FL (p<0.0001), HL (p<0.0.0001), FA (p<0.01), SW (p<0.01) and RL (p<0.05), the traits were superior in the rainy season. Age significantly affected all parameters considered. The WAD (0.53) and XBD (1.39kg) lambs were and heavier during the rainy season as compared to the dry season. Of the body dimensional traits, HG had the highest correlation coefficients with WT in WAD and YAN lambs estimated at 0.86 and 0.89 respectively, whereas HT was the most correlated trait with WT in XBD lambs. Height at withers and body length were the most important additional variables to heartgirth accounting for 87% prediction of body weight in WAD and YAN lambs, whereas, HT, BL, NC, HG, SW, TL and RH could account for up to 90% of body weight in XBD lambs

Multivariate principal components analysis of the morphostructural traits of West African Dwarf sheep

A study was conducted to determine the interdependence among conformation traits of 178 West African Dwarf sheep and to predict body weight from their independent scores using principal components analysis. Body weight and nine morphostructural traits: height at withers, body length, heart girth, rump height, hip width, chest depth, fore canon bone length, tail length, and ear length were measured. Phenotypic correlation coefficients between body weight and body dimensions ranged from 0.78 to 0.79. Anti-image correlations of the body shape characters showed that partial correlations were low. Two principal components were extracted from the factor analysis with varimax rotation of the inter-correlated traits which accounted for 69.50% of the total variance. The first principal component (PC1) explained 57.70% and second principal component (PC2) contributed 11.70% of the variance. Both PC1 and PC2 could be considered in the selection programme to obtain animals with better conformations using minimal number of measurements.

Effect of feed quality restriction on changes in body measurements and carcass characteristics of West African dwarf sheep

Twenty seven West African Dwarf (WAD) sheep were used for the 120 day feeding trial to determine the effects of feed quality restriction on changes in body measurements and carcass characteristics. The animals were divided into three groups of nine animals each, the control group(C), the restricted group one (R1) and the restricted group two (R2). The sheep in the control group were fed dried guinea grass (Panicum maximum) and concentrate diet for the whole period of the experiment. The R1 and R2 animals were fed dried grass for a period of 30 days and 60 days, respectively before the inclusion of concentrate diet for 60 days. The live weight was measured weekly and body measurements every two weeks. Data obtained were analyzed using one way analysis of variance. Results showed that the average values for chest girth were significantly (P< 0.05) affected by duration of feed quality restriction with R2 group sheep having the highest value of 58.67 ± 1.16 cm and R1 group sheep having the lowest mean value of 53.85 ± 0.65 cm. The average values for testes girth and total dry matter intake were significantly (P< 0.05) affected by duration of feed quality restriction with C group sheep having the highest values 11.33 ± 0.26 cm and 346.80 ± 0.26 g, respectively. The C group sheep also had significantly higher (P< 0.05) values for live weight, withers height, shoulder width, thigh bone weight, dressing percentage and liver weight (12.75 ± 0.73 kg, 55.88 ± 0.00 cm, 19.05 ± 0.42 cm, 0.18 ± 0.03 kg, 60.47 ± 4.76 % and 0.22 ± 0.01 kg, respectively) during realimentation. In conclusion, feed restriction negatively affected live weight, total dry matter intake, chest and testes girth and it was recommended that feed supplementation during periods of feed scarcity be encouraged so as to allow animals maximise their growth and breeding potentials because animals fed grass and concentrate (C group) performed better than those fed grass only for specific periods (R1 and R2 groups).

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< 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<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<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<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<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<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<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

Milk yield of West African Dwarf sheep as affected by udder stimulation, stage of lactation and parity

This study was conducted to investigate the milk yield of West African Dwarf sheep as affected by udder stimulation, stage of lactation and parity. The study involves 12 matured lactating ewes weighing between 16 and 24 kg live weights in a semi intensive system of management. For udder stimulation, the animals were divided into 2 groups; 6 animals were stimulated by massaging, cleaning and drying the udder for 2 minutes before milking while the other 6 were not stimulated, the udder were just milked. Stage of lactation was divided into 4; early, mid, late, and very late respectively with 3weeks interval for all the animals. 4 animals were on first parity while 8 animals were on second parity. The animals were allowed to graze on an established paddock consisting of Stylosanthes hamata, Panicum maximum, Pennisetum purpureum etc. for 5 hours and then supplemented with concentrate (17% CP at 5% body weight). Each quarter of the udder was hand milked unilaterally twice per week at 8.00am for 12 weeks. The result of the study showed that daily milk yield in each of the quarter of the udder (left and right) was not significantly (P>0.05) different. Udder stimulation and stage of lactation had significant (P<0.05) effect on daily milk yield while parity and mammary gland position (left and right ) did not significantly affect daily milk yield. The interaction between udder stimulation and stage of lactation as well as interaction between udder stimulation and parity had significant (P><0.05) effect on daily milk yield in WAD sheep. Therefore it is recommended that sheep udder be stimulated at late and very late stages of lactation to enhance milk production. ><0.05) effect on daily milk yield while parity and mammary gland position (left and right ) did not significantly affect daily milk yield. The interaction between udder stimulation and stage of lactation as well as interaction between udder stimulation and parity had significant (P<0.05) effect on daily milk yield in WAD sheep. Therefore it is recommended that sheep udder be stimulated at late and very late stages of lactation to enhance milk production.

Effect of coat colour on heat stress among West African Dwarf sheep

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of coat colour on heat stress among West African Dwarf sheep. A total number of twenty-four West African Dwarf sheep with different coat colour types were used for the experiment. Rectal temperature (RT), respiratory rate (RR) and pulse rate(PR) were taken on each animal before sunrise and when they returned from grazing in the afternoon during late dry season ( January-March) and early rainy season (April June ). Blood samples were collected for evaluation of packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cell count (RBC), white blood cell count (WBC), plasma sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+). Coat colour had significant (P<0.01) effect on PT, RR, PR and heat stress index (HI).Animals with black coat colour (aaB-SS) had the highest mean value for all parameters followed by brown mouflon and brown with extensive white, while the badger face coloured sheep(A-B-ss) had the least mean value. There were significant (P<0.01) differences between males and female in RT (38.69± 0.02 and 38.83± 0.02oC), RR (56.09± 0.58 and 59.94± 0.65 breaths/min), PR (74.67 ±0.39 and 77.92± 0.46 beats/min) and HI (1.60±0 0.19 and 1.63± 0.02) respectively. Season had significant (P<0.01) effect on RT, RR, PR, HI. Coat colour also had significant (P< 0.05) effect on RBC, WBC, Na + and K+. There + +were appreciable difference between female and male in RBC, WBC, Na and K . Seasonal variation also significantly affected these blood parameters. However, PCV was not significantly (P>0.05) affected by variation in coat colour, sex and season. From the results obtained, it can be concluded that coat colour type had significant effect on heat stress in WestAfrican Dwarf sheep.

Performance of West African dwarf sheep fed cassava peel-based diets

Chemical compositions of ensiled cassava peels, dried cassava peels and gliricidia on the performance of West African Dwarf sheep were evaluated. Twelve grower rams and ewes between 5-7 months of age were allotted to three treatment diets: D1 (control) diet was 100% gliricidia (GLI) (leaves with bark and soft stem), D2 consisted of 80% ensiled cassava peels plus 20% gliricidia (ENP/GNI) while D3 consisted of 80% dried cassava peels plus 20% gliricidia (DP/GLI). The three test feeds were observed to have more comparable crude fibre contents ranging from 16.07% for ensiled cassava peels to 18.20% for gliricidia. The gross energy values were also comparable ranging from 3.93kcal/gDM for ensiled cassava peels to 4.64kcal/gDM for gliricidia. Gliricidia was however observed to be richer in crude protein and minerals compared to ensiled cassava peels and dried cassava peels. Dry matter intakes, dry matter digestibility and growth rates showed significant (P<0.05) differences with the tilt being in favor of the animals fed on the sole glricidia diet. The energy digestibility of 79.83% for the animals fed on ensiled cassava peels and gliricidia diet was not significanyly (P>0.05) different from the corresponding value of 82.67% observable for animals fed on the sole gliricidia diet. Both values were however significantly higher (P<0.05) than the values of 74.17% obtained for animals on the dried cassava peel plus gliricidia diet. Feed conversion values showed no significant (P>0.05) differences for the three groups ranging from 8.8. (ENP/GLI) to 10.80 (DP/GLI). Cassava peels supplemented with gliricidia can be used in practical production diets for West African Dwarf sheep with better prospects of utilization through ensiling of the peels.

Degradation of Crude Protein in Groundnut Cake, Guinea Grass (Panicum Maximum) and Rumen Epithelial Scraping based Diets by West African Dwarf Sheep

Three West African dwarf rams fitted with rumen cannula, were used in a completely randomized design for degradation of crude protein (CP) of groundnut cake (GNC), Panicum maximum, rumen epithelial scraping (RES), and diets containing increasing levels of RES. Concentrate diets were formulated such that 0% (A), 50% (B), and 100% (C) of groundnut cake were replaced with RES in a diet containing 20% GNC. The soluble fraction a, insoluble fraction b and rumen undegradable protein (RUP) obtained for GNC, grass and RES varied significantly (P<0.05). Significant (P<0.05) variations were also observed for a, b and RUP of the test ingredients. Effective degradability (ED) of CP in GNC, grass and RES (at outflow rate of 0.02) were 38.19, 19.63 and 2.13 respectively. The ED values obtained for the diets decreased significantly (P<0.05) with increased inclusion of RES. Panicum maximum and RES contained significantly higher (P<0.05) level of RUP when compared with GNC. The RUP values obtained for the diets were not influenced (P>0.05) by the inclusion of RES.

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 < 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.

Utilization of malted sorghum sprout, shrimp waste meal and Tephrosia bracteolate hay by West African dwarf sheep fed soybean stover based diets

In a completely randomized design, sixteen (16) West African Dwarf (WAD) rams aged between 10-15 months with an average pre-trial body weight of 14.5 kg were used to study the influence of a compounded concentrate diet (Diet 1), malted sorghum sprout (MSP) (Diet 2), shrimp waste meal (SWM) (Diet 3) and Tephrosia bracteolata hay (Diet 4) as supplement to soybean stover (SBS) + Panicum maximum hay for 13 weeks. The total DM intake was highest (P<0.05) for rams on Tephrosia bracteolata hay (153.89gd-1W0.75) and lowest for those on SWM (137.51gd-1W0.75). the highest (P<0.05) weight gain was recorded for sheep on Tephrosia (41.97gd-1) and lowest for SWM (13.73gd-1). The nitrogen retention of all the rams ranged between 68.53 and 70.65%. The DM digestibility ranged from 0.639 in SWM to 0.692 in concentrate diet. Organic matter digestibility ranged from 0.650 for SWM to 0.695 in concentrate while CP digestibility was 0.654 for SWM and 0.687 in Tephrosia. NDF digestibility varied between 0.563 in SWM and 0.6545 in MSP. Total serum protein (9.0g/dL), blood urea nitrogen(17.85mmol/L), cholesterol (158mg/dl) and plasma glucose (0.53 mmol/L) were significantly (P<0.05) increased in rams fed the concentrate (5.4g/dL, 11.06mmol/l, 15.6mg/dL, 0.38mmol/L), MSP (5.3g/dL, 10.7mmol/L, 152mg/dL, 0.3mmol/L) and Tephrosia (5.0g/dl, 9.63mmol/L, 143mg/dl, 0.3mm0l/L) in that order. It was concluded that these unconventional supplements could be fed with soybeans stover to improve feed intake, nutrient digestibility and nitrogen utilization leading to a better weight gain with sheep.

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.

Daniellia oliveri as a fodder tree for small ruminant and the interaction of its tannin with ruminal ammonia

Daniellia Oliveri was examined as a potential fodder for small ruminant, using nine castrated and ruminally fistulated West African Dwarf sheep (29 kg BW) to determine rumen ammonia and nutrient digestibility. Dried leaves of Daniellia oliveri were offered at two levels (25% and 50% of DMI) as supplement to a basal hay diet. A digestibility trial of 8 days was conducted after 10 days of adaptation period. Rumen liquor was sampled one hour before, and one, three and five hours after the morning feeding for three consecutive days. Diet D50% showed a higher (P<0.05) pH than both the control and D25% diets, respectively. Diet D25% had an inferior (P<0.05) pH than the controls. The ruminal ammonia concentration of D25% was superior (P<0.05) to D50% and the controls, respectively. Similarly, diet D50% had a superior (P<0.05) ruminal ammonia concentration than the controls. There were significant increases (P<0.05) in the OM, CP, NDF, ADF, ADL and cellulose intake of D50% diet compared with the controls. Similarly, inclusion level of 50% Daniellia oliveri resulted in a reduction (P<0.05) in digestibility of DMI, OM, NDF, ADF and ADL, in comparison to sheep fed the control diet. Cellulose and hemi-cellulose digestibility of diet D50% was superior (P<0.05) to that of the controls. It would appear that condensed tannins had inhibitory effect on organic matter and detergent fibre digestibility. It was concluded that Daniellia oliveri with a high CP and GE (165 g/kg and 20.3 kJ/g DM) respectively, could serve as a fodder tree for small ruminant in spite of its relatively high content of condensed tannin (48 g/kg DM). An inclusion range of 25 to 50% was recommended during period of scarcity.

The use of "kaun" (Local Potash) as a mineral source in the diet of West African Dwarf sheep

The study was conducted for 48 days to assess the use of kaun as a source of mineral for Hest African Dwarf sheep. The study was in two parts. Experiment l involved the use of milled kaun mixed with formulated concentrate consisting of wheat offal (50%), palm kernel cake (25%) and dried brewer's grains (25%). Experiment II was the use of dissolved kaun administered to the animals in form / drenching. Each group of animals in experiment 1 was allocated to experimental diet containing milled kaun (0.00, 0.14, 0.28, 0.45 and 0.56g/kg body weight/ram. day) and to kaun solution (0,2,4,6 and 8g: 10ml of water/ram/day) in experiment II. In Experiment I, significant (P<0.05) effects of the diets were observed on average daily gain, dry matter intake and water consumption. The rams on D3 significantly (P<0.05) performed better in daily gain, dry matter intake and feed efficiency than those on other dietary treatment. Water consumption increased with increasing level of kaun in the diets. Animals on D5 had the highest water consumption. No significant (P>0.05) effects of the diets were observed on faecal and urinary mineral outputs of the rams fed kaun supplemented diet. The concentration of these minerals was higher at the end of the experiment than at the beginning thereby giving positive balance. Significant (P<0.05) negative mineral balance was noticed between serum mineral before and after the experiment. This could suggest that mineral utilization was encouraged by kaun inclusion in the concentrate feed. In Experiment II, there were significant (P<0.05) effects of the test diets on average daily gain, dry matter intake and water consumption. Diet 4 (g/10ml of water/ram/day) and D5 (8g:10ml of water/ram/day) performed better with an average daily gain of 100g/d and 92.9g/d; dry matter intake, 70g W0.7kg and 66g/W0.75kg; feed efficiency 0.700 and 0.710, respectively. Water consumption also increased with increase in the concentration of kaun solution but water consumption in treatment groups was lower than in the control (0.10L/kg body weight). The results of this study suggest that 0.28g kaun kg body weight ram/d) promoted better performance in experiment / while 6g kaun/10ml of water, or 8g kaun 10ml of water/ram/d promoted better performance in experiment II. These levels of kaun as a source of mineral in sheep production are therefore recommended for optimum performance.

REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF WEST AFRICAN DWARF SHEEP AND GOATS AT VILLAGE LEVEL IN OGUN STATE, NIGERIA

Reproductive performance of 20 pregnant ewes and 20 pregnant does of West African Dwarf breeds at village level in Ogun State, Nigeria were compare in a study which lasted for 8 months. Litter size in ewes was 1.50 while that of does was 1.85. the number of males produced by the two species out-numbered that of females. However, multiple birth were higher in goat that in sheep. Results of birth weights and body weight of lambs and kids at 3 month of age were significantly different (P < 0.05). Lambs were heavier at birth with overall mean birth weight of 2.00kg compared with 1.48kg recorded for kids. At the age of 3 monthes the overall body weight of lamb was 10.38kg while that of kid was 7.61kg. mortality in lamb was 23.33% as against 10.81% in kids. Effective management system of West African Dwarf sheep and goats at village level before and after birth will improve the reproductive efficiency of the species

A NOTE ON CORN COBS IN SHEEP DIET

Twelve West African dwarf lambs 11 to 15 months of age and weighing 7.0 to 10.0 kg were randomized into three groups. Each group was fed diets containing zero, twenty-five and fifty percent corn cobs as replacer for hay (Cynodon nlemfuensis) in maize and groundnut cake-based media. Two mates from each treatment group were later placed in individual metabolic cages for digestibility experiments. Results showed that dry matter (DM) intake, weight gain, efficiency of fed utilization and nutrient digestibility values were similar for animals on rations A (zero corn cobs, 50% hay) and B (25% corn cobs, 25% hay) which were higher than values obtained for animals on ration C (50% corn cobs, zero hay). Results obtained also suggested that 25% ground corn cobs could be successfully incorporated into the diets of West African dwarf sheep for optimal utilization.

DRY MATTER DEGRADATION CHA RACTERISTICS OF RICE STOVER WITH DIFFERENT PROPORTIONS OF Ficus capensis OR Alchornea cordifolia IN RUMEN FISTULATED SHEEP, GOATS OR CATTLE

Rumen dry matter degradation characteristics (soluble fraction, degradable fraction, rate of degradation and effective degradability) of leaves of two browse species (Alchornea cordifolia, Ficus capensis) and rice stover and their varying proportions (10, 20 or 30% of each browse: crop residue mixture) were evaluated in rumen fistulated West African Dwarf sheep and goats and Bunaji cattle. The forages differed (P<0.05) in soluble fraction (a) rate of degradation (c) and effective degradability (ED) but did not differ in the degradable fraction (b). Rice stover bad the highest rate of degradation and F. capensis the least. Effective degradability (ED) was highest in cattle followed by sheep and goats with a high degree of correlation among them. The inclusion of the different proportions of browse in the mixtures show some significance in a, b and ED (P<0.05). Mixture had a depressive effect on the soluble fraction of the feeds in rice stover: A. cordifolia mixtures. Degradable fraction differed mainly in F. capensis mixtures. The rate of degradation was affected mainly in sheep and cattle among the feeds in rice stover: F. capensis mixtures. The different mixtures influenced effective degradability. As with the sole feeds, ED was highest in cattle, followed by sheep and goats.