Yankasa Rams Research Articles

Growth Performance and Nutrient Utilization of Balami and Yankasa Rams Fed Leucaena leucocephala and Dried Poultry Manure Based Concentrates Diets

In this work, two feed concentrates—dried poultry manure concentrate (DPMC) and Leucaena leucocephala-based concentrate (LLBC)—fed to rams of two breeds (Yankasa and Balami) were assessed for their proximate composition, digestibility, and nitrogen utilization. In comparison to LLBC, which has more crude protein (15.26%), lower fiber (12.33%), and somewhat higher ether extract (3.21%), DPMC has higher dry matter (90.54%) and fiber (20.55%) but lower crude protein (13.58%) and ether extract (3.84%). Additionally, LLBC exhibits a greater nitrogen-free extract (46.23%) and ash content (8.45%) in comparison to DPMC, which results in a slightly higher total energy content (18.96 MJ/kg against 17.76 MJ/kg). Breed, feed, or breed × feed interaction impacts on performance indicators are not significant (P>0.05). Breed effects (P<0.05) were noted on digestibility, with Balami rams outperforming Yankasa rams in the digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, and nitrogen-free extract. LLBC increased(P<0.05) the digestibility of nitrogen-free extract and dry matter compared to DPMC. The findings indicate that as compared to Yankasa rams fed LLBC, Balami rams fed DPMC showed greater (P<0.05) digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, and nitrogen-free extract. The effects of breed, feed, and breed × feed interaction on nitrogen utilization were significant (P<0.05). Breed has a significant (p<0.05) impact on nitrogen intake, digestion, and retention; Yankasa has greater values than Balami. In comparison to DPMC, LLBC resulted in increased nitrogen intake and retention. Interestingly, the interaction effect reveals that whilst Balami rams retained more nitrogen with DPMC, Yankasa rams retained more nitrogen with LLBC. With implications for optimizing feed strategies based on breed-specific requirements, this study highlights the impact of both feed type and breed on nutritional efficiency.

Urea-molasses block supplementation on nutrients digestibility of Yankasa rams fed maize stover

Sixty (60) days of feeding trial was conducted to determine the nutrients digestibility of Yankasa rams fed maize Stover as basal diet, seven (7) days adaptation period for twelve growing Yankasa rams aged between 9-12 months was carried out and were subjected to four (4) dietary treatments with three (3) replicates in a completely randomized design (CRD). The four treatments were, T1 (Maize Stover only (control), T2 (molasses 36%, rice offal 43%, urea 5%, cement 7% salt 9% and basal diet)), T3 (molasses 26%, rice offal 43%, urea 15%, cement 9% salt 7% and basal diet) and T4 ( Molasses 40%, rice offal 39%, urea 10%, cement 4% salt 7% and basal diet), to determine feed intake, growth rate, rumen Nitrogen-ammonia (NH3-N) content and PH, the results of dry matter digestibility ranges from 11.22%-67.01%, crude protein digestibility ranges from 78.96–91.97%, fat digestibility ranges from 96.22–97.23%, crude fibre digestibility ranged from 10.32–28.39%, ash was from 51.66–59.56%. The result shows higher concentration of Ammonia (mg/mol) in T4 (19.97mg/100ml), and the lowest was recorded in T1 (14.95mg/100ml). The rumen pH as observed in all the treatments were within the range of 7.15-8.00 with T4 as the highest and T2 having the lowest, these results showed no significant difference at (P>0.05) between the treatments groups. The study revealed that rams in treatment (T2) generally gave a significant difference (P<0.05) higher performance in terms of dry matter intake and live weight gain. From the results obtained in this study, urea-molasses treatment of maize stover improved crude protein contents and digestibility, consequently, an economic decision had been proved in the used of urea-molasses treated maize stover as an animal feed which improved the nitrogen (protein) contents of the treated Stover, energy and soluble carbohydrate. The use of urea-molasses treatment is safe, economical, socially acceptable, and environmentally friendly and can be applied easily on the farm with high probability of being adopted by farmers.

Semen characteristics and hormonal profile of Yankasa rams fed a mixed ration of cowpea husk (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) and tiger nuts (Cyperus esculentum L.) residue

Thirty growing and healthy Yankasa rams were randomly allotted five dietary treatments with six animals per treatment to ascertain the effect of diet on their reproductive potential and hormonal profile. Treatments compared were T1 (cowpea husk 40% + tiger nuts residue 0%), T2 (cowpea husk 30% + tiger nuts residue 10%), T3 (cowpea husk 20% + tiger nuts residue 20%), T4 (cowpea husk 10% + tiger nuts residue 30%), and T5 (cowpea husk 0% + tiger nuts residue 40%). The results of the chemical composition of the diets showed that the dry matter was high for all treatments. The semen characteristics and hormonal profile showed significant differences (p < 0.05) in all the parameters observed but were within normal ranges. However, the group fed a high percent tiger nut mixed ratio had a depreciating effect on semen characteristics, and LH, FSH, and testosterone levels. There is no deleterious effect on the reproductive potential of growing Yankasa rams fed varying levels of cowpea husk and tiger nut residue at the inclusion levels in this study. Hence, it is safe to feed breeding rams the ration mix. However, the authors advise caution of including tiger nuts levels of up to 40% in a mixed ration. further investigation may be conducted with ewes to determine the effect of a mixed ration of cowpea husk and tiger nut residue in reproduction.

Rumen fermentation and nutrient utilization of growing Yankasa rams fed a mixed ration containing tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus) residue and cowpea husk (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp)

Thirty (30) Yankasa growing rams were used to investigate the effect of feeding cowpea husk and tiger nut residue in a mixed ration on the rumen ecology, nutrient intake, nutrient digestibility, and nitrogen balance of Yankasa rams. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in the rumen ecology, nutrient intake, nutrient digestibility, and nitrogen balance between the treatments. Rumen ecology was influenced by the diet, with variations in rumen pH, temperature, and volatile fatty acid production. The results indicated that the highest rumen pH and temperature were observed in Treatment 2, while acetate, butyrate, and propionate levels varied among treatments. Nutrient intake and digestibility were significantly affected by the diet. Dry matter intake, crude protein intake, nitrogen detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) intake varied among treatments. Treatment 3 showed the highest dry matter intake, while Treatment 5 had the highest NDF intake. Crude protein intake was highest in Treatment 3, and the highest values for most nutrients were observed from the same treatment. The results for nitrogen balance in Yankasa rams indicate a positive nitrogen balance, suggesting that the rams received adequate amounts of nitrogen from the diets fed. Feeding 20% cowpea husk and 20% tiger nut residue provides optimum performance for rams in terms of rumen fermentation, and nutrient utilisation.

Haematological and Serum Biochemical Responses of Yankasa Rams Supplemented Cinnamon Powder

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of cinnamon supplements on Yankasa Rams' growth performance, nutrient digestibility, haematology and serum biochemical profile. A total number of sixteen (16) Yankasa grower rams with an average live weight of 20kg each was randomly allotted into four dietary treatments comprised of four replicates consisting of four animals per treatment in a completely randomized design (CRD), where data obtained in this study were analyzed using General Linear Model of Statistical Analysis Software and Means were separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test. The haematological variables demonstrated that packed cell volume was significantly (P<0.05) affected by an increased level of cinnamon Significant (P<0.05) differences were also recorded in white blood cells, neutrophils, basophils and haemoglobin while others were not significantly (P>0.05) changed. With the exception of plasma potassium level, there were no significant (P>0.05) differences in all other serum biochemistry with the supplementation of cinnamon. Cinnamon supplementation plays a vital role in improving the haematological profile. No significant considerable changes were observed in the serum biochemical profile as a result of cinnamon supplements in Yankasa rams. It is therefore recommended that cinnamon powder can be incorporated into ruminant animal diet up to 15g/kg without detrimental effect in animal health status. However further studies were encouraged.

The Growth Performance of Yankasa Rams Fed Gamba Grass (Andropogon Gayanus) and Various Levels of Ensiled Urea Treated Groundnut Shell Meal Supplementary Diet

This study was carried out to investigate the feed intake, nutrient intake, and growth performance of Yankasa rams fed gamba grass (Andropogon gayanus) and various levels of ensiled urea treated groundnut shell meal supplementary diet. A total of twenty (20) growing Yankasa rams aged between 7 and 8 months with an average body weight of 11.50 kg were used for this experiment. Five treatment groups were established, with varying levels of UTGSM supplementary diet (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%). Parameters such as organic matter, crude protein, fiber, ether extract, ash, NFE (nitrogen-free extract), concentrate, and forage intake were measured. Average total weight gain and average daily weight gain were also determined. The results showed significant variations in nutrient intake among the treatment groups. The results showed that animals on T5 with 20% UTGSM inclusion in their supplementary diet had the highest feed intake, nutrients intake and growth performance compared to the other treatments. It was concluded that 20% level of UTGSM inclusion could replace maize offal 100% in the supplementary diet of Yankasa rams to improved feed and nutrients intake, and growth performance. It was recommended that livestock producers can incorporate up to 20% of UTGSM into small ruminants feed in order to reduce the cost of production especially during the dry season.

RUMEN FLUID CHARACTERISTICS OF YANKASA RAMS AS INFLUENCED BY COWPEA HAY AND GROUNDNUT HAULMS SUPPLEMENTATION

This study was conducted to determine the effect of cowpea hay and groundnut haulms supplementation on rumen characteristics of Yankasa rams. The experiment involved Sixteen (16) growing Yankasa rams weighing 20.19 ± 2.2 kg randomly assigned to four treatment groups: Rice straw (I), groundnut haulms (II), cowpea hay (III) and combination of cowpea and groundnut haulms supplementations (IV). The experiment was laid in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with four (4) replications for a period of 84 days. The rumen liquor (15 ml) was drawn individually from the experimental animals. The rumen pH and microbial populations were determined using standard procedures. Data obtained were analyzed using Analysis of Variance with Duncan’s New Multiple Range Test used to separate significant means at 5% level. The results obtained revealed significant difference (P≤0.05) among the treatments in terms of pH and microbial counts. Treatment I had the least acidic value (6.29) at four hours after feeding. Treatment II had highest microbial counts (5.87 x106cfu/ml for bacteria and 4.26x105 cfu/ml for fungal counts) after 4 hours of feeding. The result inferred that supplementing basal rice straw with cowpea hay and groundnut haulms maintained the quality of rumen’s fluid pH of Yankasa rams. There was sufficient number of bacterial and fungal species in the rumen fluid for fibre degradation which aid digestibility and rumen fermentation. Thus, it is recommended that, cowpea hay and groundnut haulm be fed at 300g/day to growing Yankasa rams to enhance growth performance.

EFFECT OF MACA (Lepedium Meyenii) POWDER SUPPLEMENT ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND NUTRIENT DIGESTIBILITY OF YANKASA RAMS

The use of phytochemical feed additives such as Maca (Lepedium meyenii) has been widely used by livestock farmers to reduce cost of production, toxic and residual effect of industrially chemical synthetic antibiotics and growth promoters. Therefore, this research was conducted to evaluate the effect of Maca power supplement on growth performance and nutrient digestibility of Yankasa rams. A total of twenty (20) grower Yankasa rams was divided into four treatment groups of 0, 5, 10, 15g/ Kg powdered Maca with five (5) rams each per treatment in a completely randomized design (CRD). The growth performance result revealed that all parameters were significantly (P<0.05) differences with the exception (P>0.05) of initial weight were T4 had the best growth performance attributes followed by T3. Profound (P<0.05) changes was recorded in Yankasa rams nutrient digestibility fed supplemented levels of Maca. There were significant (P<0.05) differences in feacal nitrogen, urine nitrogen, and nitrogen retained as percent feed intake while nitrogen intake and nitrogen retained were not significantly (P>0.05) affected with supplementation level of Maca. It could be concluded that Maca powder supplement has a profound effect of growth performance were T4 had the outstanding growth performance, considerable increases were recorded with increases level of Maca supplement on nutrient digestibility and nitrogen balances. For improvement of growth performance and nutrient digestibility, farmers are therefore recommended to supplement up to 15g/kg Maca powder into the diet of Yankasa rams, further studies are therefore recommended to fully explore its mechanisms of actions and nutritional activities.

Physico-Chemical Characteristics and Acceptability of Graded Levels of Ensiled Cabbage Waste and Wheat Offals as Ruminants’ Supplemental Diet

Animal nutritionists are now searching for new non-traditional feed sources to enhance ruminants’ diets due to price increases and the unavailability of some unconventional feed ingredients. In a Completely Randomized Design, wheat offal was substituted with cabbage waste silage in diets 1 to 5 at 0, 10, 20, 30, and 40%, respectively for 30 days to assess the physicochemical characteristics and acceptability of the new diets by Yankasa rams. Temperatures of 29.00 ± 0.14 and 28.05 ± 0.78 °C, respectively, were noticeably lower in diets 4 and 5. Diets 4 (4.26) and 5 (4.38) considerably lowered (P > 0.05) the pH. All of the diets had good silages based on color, smell, and texture, with diet 5 having a firm and wet texture. Diets 4 and 5 had sweet aromatic odour. With increasing the amount of cabbage waste in the silage, the dry matter dropped, going from 80.11 to 46.88% in diets 1 and 5, respectively. Diet 4’s lowest CP of 12.68%, is sufficient for ruminant feeding. In diet 4, the values of crude fiber and ether extract significantly (P < 0.05) increased. Although there were substantial differences (P < 0.05) in each diet’s fiber content, the NDF, ADF, and ADL all fell within the acceptable range for excellent silage. All the silages made in diets 1 to 5 were acceptable by Yankasa rams, but diet 5 ranked highest in terms of coefficient of preference (CoP). According to all findings, cabbage waste could be a valuable silage additive in ruminants’ diets. Wheat offal can be replaced by cabbage waste up to 30% and 40% in the diet of ruminants with good silage formation and better CoP.

SERUM BIOCHEMICAL INDICES AND RUMEN METABOLITES OF GROWING YANKASA RAMS SUPPLEMENTED WITH MILLET STOVER BASED SUPPLEMENTS WITH FEED ADDITIVES DURING EARLY RAINING SEASON GRAZING

The experiment was conducted to investigate the response of growing Yankasa rams to urea-treated or untreated millet Stover based supplements during early raining season grazing on haematological parameters and rumen metabolites. A total of 20Yankasa rams were used for the experiments in a completely randomized design with five treatments of four animals each in replicate. Five different supplements were formulated to contained 12% CP from urea-treated or urea untreated millet Stover and other ingredients with feed additive. Supplement 1 had urea untreated millet stover, while 2, 3, 4 and 5 contained urea-treated millet stover at 1, 2, 3, and 4% respectively with feed additive in experiment 4. Animals were offered their respective supplement at 400g per head per day (200g each in the morning and evening) and thereafter allowed to graze the available forages. The experiments lasted for 84 days. Result of the experiment revealed RBC and MCH differs significantly (P<0.05) across the diets. Rumen NH3-N was significantly (P<0.05) higher 51.34 and 61.18 mg/dl before and after feeding in animals fed supplement 1 than 42.06 and 52.66 mg/dl in that fed supplement 4 respectively. It is therefore concluded that all supplements had not detrimental effect on blood and rumen parameters. It is recommended that supplement with urea-untreated millet stover can be fed to Yankasa rams during raining season.

MICROBIAL PROTEIN PRODUCTION AND RUMEN METABOLITES PARAMETERS OF YANKASA RAMS FED DIETS CONTAINING DIFFERENT NITROGEN SOURCES WITH BALANITES AEGYPTIACA LEAF POWDER AS RUMEN BUFFER

Experiment was carried out to evaluate the response of growing Yankasa rams to complete sorghum stover based diets containing varying levels of different nitrogen sources with rumen buffer plant on digestible organic matter fermented in the rumen (DOMR), microbial nitrogen (MN) and rumen metabolites. Complete diets containing 16% crude protein (CP) was formulated for the experiment. Urea was incorporated into the diets at 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2% with cottonseed cake at 20, 15, 10, 5 and 0% and designated as diet 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5% respectively. Twenty growing Yankasa rams were used for the experiment and randomly allocated to five treatment groups of four animals each in completely randomized designed (CRD). Rams were fed experimental diets and water ad libitum. The result reveals (P<0.05) difference in DOMR and MN. Higher mean values of 0.37, 0.36 and 0.34 kg/d DOMR were recorded in animal fed diet 2, 3 and 5 with the least value 0.22 kg/day recorded in animals fed diet 4. MN production were higher 11.72, 11.65 and 10.81 g/day in animals fed diet 2, 3 and 5 while the least 7.03 g/day in animals fed diet 4. (P<0.05) difference were observed in rumen pH 0 hour before feeding, total volatile fatty acids (TVFA), acetate, propionate, butyrate and rumen NH3-N 0 hour before and 4 hours after feeding across the diets. NH3-N was within the optimal levels for microbial activities. Inclusion of urea at graded levels of up to 2% in a complete diet has no detrimental effect on performance, DOMR, MN production and rumen parameters. Diet 3 is therefore recommended for growing Yankasa rams.

EFFECTS OF FEEDING UREA ENSILED MILLET STOVER BASED DIETS WITH CONCENTRATES ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND ECONOMY OF SUPPLEMENTATION IN GROWING YANKASA RAMS

Effects of feeding urea ensiled millet stover based diets with concentrates on growth performance and economy of supplementation in growing Yankasa Rams were evaluated. Four kg urea was dissolved in 100 litres of water sprinkled on 100kg of millet stover kept in an airtight, anaerobic condition for 21 days (ensiled) as basal diet, fed ad libitum to thirty Yankasa rams with average initial weights of 16.35 - 18.21 kg replicated 5 times using completely randomized design were allocated to 6 diets; 300g cottonseed cake diet 1, Faidherbia albida diet 2, CSC & maize offal diet 3, FA & maize offal diet 4, CSC & wheat offal diet 5 and FA & wheat offal diet 6, fed twice for 70 days. Findings revealed highest (p<0.05) DM intake (756.09g/d) in diet 6. Rams on diet 2 recorded highest average daily weight gain and FCR (75.81g/d & 7.91) than diet 4 (35.02g/day & 17.94) with least. cost of concentrate diets was lower in diet 6 (₦ 35.82) than diet 1 (₦ 109.83), 2 (₦ 46.79), 3 (₦ 66.71), 4 (₦ 68.77) and 5 (₦ 58.50). Supplementation of urea ensiled millet stover based diet improved growth performance and FCR. However, supplementing Faidherbia albida pod meal at 30% with 4kg urea ensiled millet stover gave the highest ADG and FCR with a concomittant reduction in cost of feed, therefore is recommended for growing Yankasa rams.

PERFORMANCE OF YANKASA RAMS FED CORN COB BASAL DIET SUPPLEMENTED WITH MIXTURE OF SUN-DRIED BROILER LITTER AND DIFFERENT ENERGY SUPPLEMENTS

A total of sixteen (16) Yankasa rams of about 10-12 months of age and having an average weight of 24 kg were used in an 84-day trial to investigate the nutrient utilization and digestibility of Yankasa rams fed grounded corn cob as basal diet supplemented with sun-dried broiler litter (SDPL) and different energy concentrate mixture. The rams were randomly assigned into four (4) treatments with four (4) replicates per treatment in a completely randomized design (CRD). Four experimental diets were formulated and designated as: T1 (Corn cob + 150g SDPL + 150g MB), T2 (Corn cob + 150g SDPL + 150g RB), T3 (Corn cob + 150g SDPL + 150g MO), and T4 (Corn cob + 150g SDPL + 150g WO) and used to feed the Yankasa rams. The result of the performance of the rams showed that basal feed intake (35360.00-37735.00g; P<0.05), supplement feed intake (25077.50-25200.00g; P<0.05), total feed intake 60437.50-62935.00g; P<0.05), daily feed intake (719.49-749.23g; P<0.05), feed conversion ratio (7.74-9.11; P<0.05) and water intake 199.93-206.93L; P<0.05) were significantly affected across dietary treatments. On the daily weight of the rams, final weight (30500.00-32250.00g; P<0.05), weight gain (6750.00-8000.00g; P<0.05) and daily weight gain (80.36-95.24g; P<0.05) was significantly (P<0.05) while initial weight did not differ significantly. Poultry litter inclusion in ruminant diets could enhance the active utilization of fibrous feed materials and crop residues used in formulation. It could also possibly have role in supplying active microbial network that could enhance digestibility and degradability of rumen dietary fractions.

NUTRIENT DIGESTIBILITY AND RUMEN METABOLITE PROFILE CONCENTRATION OF GROWING YANKASA RAMS FED BRACHIARIA MULATO II BASE TOTAL MIXED RATION AT DIFFERENT PERCENT BODY WEIGHT

Twenty (20) apparently healthy growing Yankasa rams with a mean initial live weight of 20-21kg±0.5kg were used for 120 days feeding and 21 days digestibility trials to was carried out to determine nutrient digestibility and rumen metabolites profile of growing Yankasa rams. The animals were grouped into four with five animals each in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) and randomly allocated to four treatments. The treatments were 2.5, 3.0, 3.5 and 4.0% body weight. The DM (88.38%), CP (89.70%), NDF (74.54%) and ADF (77.63%) were significantly (P<0.05) higher in animals fed 4% body weight. OM (87.27%) was significantly (P<0.05) higher at 3.0% body weight, but EE (90.14%) was significantly (P<0.05) higher in animals fed 3.5% body weight. Nutrient digestibility showed significant variation (P<0.05) across the treatments. Rumen pH was within the normal range (6.77-6.87). TVFA (Total volatile fatty acid) (24.67 Mmol/100ml) at 0hours was significantly (P<0.05) higher in animals fed 3.5% body weight while Rumen Ammonia nitrogen (NH4-N) (63mg/lt) at 4 hours of sampling was significantly (P<0.05) higher with animals fed 4% body weight. Therefore, it was concluded that feeding Brachiaria Mulato II based total mixed ration at 4% body weight increased Dry matter digestibility by 88.38% and Crude protein digestibility by 89.70% respectively. Livestock farmers are encouraged to feed Brachiaria Mulato II based total mixed ration at 60:40 ratio for improved utilization and normal rumen function.

IMPROVING GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF YANKASA RAMS FED CHEMICAL-TREATED GROUNDNUT SHELLS SUPPLEMENTED WITH EXOGENOUS ENZYMES

This study evaluated the effect of chemical treated groundnut shells supplemented with xylanase and glucanase in rations of Yankasa rams on growth performance in Nigeria. It was carried out at the Small Ruminant Unit of Adamawa Sta\te University Teaching and Research Farm, Mubi. The study was designed in a 4×2 factorial arrangement with 4 rams per treatment in a completely randomised design. The experimental animals were housed in well ventilated environment and they were comfortable. Basic routine management were carried out. The experimental rations were formulated to meet the requirements of the rams. The experiment lasted for 90 days. Parameters under consideration were weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio. Significant (P<0.05) and non-significant (P>0.05) effects were observed from the results obtained. The results show that rams receiving glucanase and untreated groundnut shells improved both weight gain (8.71 kg) and average daily weight gain (103.64 g/d); and increased both feed intake (65.79 kg) and average daily feed intake (783.20 g/d). However, feed conversion ratio was relatively least in the group of rams receiving urea treated groundnut shells (7.18) compared to other treatments. It was concluded that untreated and urea treated groundnut shells supplemented with glucanase could improve weight gain, feed intake and feed efficiency in Yankasa rams.

Significance of graded doses of aqueous seed extract of Moringa oleifera (L) on live body weight, gonadal, extragonadal dimensions and sperm reserves of Yankasa rams

The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of Moringa oleifera aqueous seed extract on live body weight, gonadal and extragonadal dimensions and sperm reserves of Yankasa rams. Twenty five apparently healthy Yankasa rams aged 1-2 years and weighing 19.0 ± 2.1 Kg were used for the study. The rams were randomly selected into five groups: A, B, C, D and E with five rams in each group as treatment and control groups respectively. Groups A - D were given oral dose of Moringa oleifera aqueous seed extract at a dose rate of 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000 (mg/kg), respectively while group E was given 10 ml/kg water orally, daily for five months. Live body weight, gonadal and extragonadal reserves were determined according to standard techniques. The results showed a significant increase in live body weight in the months of April to June among rams treated with different doses of Moringa oleifera aqueous seed extract compared with the control group. The control group showed no significant differences in the body weight, gonadal and extragonadal dimensions and sperm reserves. In conclusion, the treatment of Yankasa rams with Moringa oleifera aqueous seed extract increased live body weight, but had no significant effects on gonadal and extragonadal dimensions and sperm reserves in Yankasa rams. Therefore, it is recommended that M. oleifera aqueous seed extract can be used at doses of 2000mg/kg to 3000mg/kg in Yankasa rams for optimum gain in live body weight.

Effect of feeding regime on growth performance of growing Yankasa rams fed basal diet of sorghum hay or silage supplemented with concentrate

Smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa offer their stocks little or no supplementary feed but depend mostly on native pastures which are in low nutrient quality. The study was aimed at evaluating the effect of feeding regime on growth performance, nutrient metabolism, rumen indices and economics of production of Yankasa rams fed basal diets of grain sorghum hay or silage supplemented with concentrate. Sixteen growing Yankasa rams weighed 17.0±0.2 kg were randomly assigned to four feeding regime treatment: T1 = Sorghum hay + concentrate daily, T2 = Sorghum silage + concentrate daily, T3 = Sorghum silage +
 concentrate after 1-day and T4 = Sorghum silage + concentrate after 2-days. The
 parameters measured were hay intake, concentrate intake, total feed intake, daily feed intake, initial weight, final weight, weight gain, daily weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR), apparent nutrient digestibility, nitrogen balance and costs-benefit. The result showed that hay intake (25.28 – 29.23 kg), concentrate intake (6.19 – 19.41 kg), total feed intake (35.41 – 48.47 kg), daily weight gain (0.04 – 0.05 kg) and weight gain (2.85 – 3.35 kg) were significantly (P<0.05) affected by the feeding regime with rams fed silage + concentrate daily recording higher values. Better FCR was obtained in rams fed silage + concentrate after 2-days. Dry matter (79.22%), crude protein (85.59%), NDF (75.30%) and ADF (78.02%) digestibility coefficients were higher (P<0.05) for rams fed silage + concentrate after 1-day (every other day). The percentage of nitrogen absorbed and retained were higher (P<0.05) in rams fed silage + concentrate after 1-day (85.62 and 82.72%, respectively). The cost per kg gain of N1046.40 for rams fed hay + concentrate daily was significantly (P <0.05) lower than the cost per kg gain of other feeding regimes. It can be concluded that sorghum silage could be fed alongside concentrate daily for improved feed intake and weight gain, but for better cost-efficiency, it is recommended that farmers should feed hay and supplement concentrate daily to rams.
 
 
 Les petits exploitants agricoles d'Afrique subsaharienne offrent peu ou pas d'aliments supplémentaires à leurs stocks, mais dépendent principalement de pâturages indigènes de faible qualité nutritive. L'étude visait à évaluer l'effet du régime alimentaire sur la performance de croissance, le métabolisme des nutriments, les indices rumen et l'économie de la production de béliers Yankasa nourris à des régimes basaux de foin de sorgho de grain ou d'ensilage complétés par du concentré. Seize béliers Yankasa en croissance pesaient 17,0±0,2 kg ont été assignés au hasard à quatre traitements du régime alimentaire : T1 = foin de Sorgho + concentré tous les jours, T2 = ensilage de Sorgho + concentré tous les jours, T3 de Sorgho + concentré après 1 jour et T4 = ensilage de Sorgho + concentré après 2 jours. Les paramètres mesurés étaient l'apport en foin, l'apport en concentré, la consommation totale d'aliments pour animaux, l'apport quotidien en aliments pour animaux, le poids initial, le poids final, le gain de poids quotidien, le rapport de conversion des aliments pour animaux (FCR), la digestibilité apparente des éléments nutritifs, l'équilibre azoté et les coûts-avantages. Le résultat a montré que l'apport en foin (25.28 à 29.23 kg), l'apport en concentré (6.19 à 19.41 kg), la consommation totale d'aliments (35.41 à 48.47 kg), le gain de poids quotidien (0,04 à 0,05 kg) et le gain de poids (2.85 à 3.35 kg) ont été considérablement (P<0.05) affectés par le régime d'alimentation avec des béliers nourris à l'ensilage + concentré enregistrant quotidiennement des valeurs plus élevées. Un meilleur FCR a été obtenu dans l'ensilage alimenté par bélier + concentré après 2 jours. Matière sèche (79.22 %), protéines brutes (85.59 %), NDF (75.30 %) et ADF (78.02%) les coefficients de digestibilité étaient plus élevés (P<0.05) pour les béliers nourris à l'ensilage après 1 jour (tous les deux jours). Le pourcentage d'azote absorbé et retenu était plus élevé (P<0.05) chez les béliers nourris à l'ensilage + concentré après 1 jour (85.62 et 82.72 %, respectivement). Le gain par kg de N1046.40 pour les béliers nourris quotidiennement au foin + concentré était significativement (P <0.05) inférieur au coût par kg de gain des autres régimes alimentaires. On peut conclure que l'ensilage de sorgho pourrait être alimenté aux côtés du concentré quotidien pour améliorer l'apport alimentaire et le gain de poids, mais pour une meilleure rentabilité, il est recommandé que les agriculteurs nourrissent le foin et complètent le concentré quotidiennement aux béliers

FEEDLOT PERFORMANCE AND CARCASS TRAITS OF YANKASA RAMS. 2 — EFFECT OF PARTIAL REPLACEMENT OF MAIZE WITH BREWERS' DRIED GRAINS OR PALM KERNEL MEAL.

Thirty-five Yankasa rams about 11/2 years old and of average weight 27kg were randomly assigned to five experimental diets which were (l) a control with 60% concentrate, diets 2 and 3 and 4 and 5 had the corn replaced by 20% and 40°/o brewers' dried grain (BDG) and palm kernel meal (PKM) respectively. All animals were individually fed the diets for the 70 days of the study. Average daily gain (ADC) was significantly (P 0.05) depressed only at the 40% BDC, level when compared with that of the control. Dressing percentage and percentage yield of wholesale cuts were not affected by the treatments. Nitrogen digestibility was significantly (P 0.05) depressed at the 40% BDG level. Based on the total performance and cost considerations, it was economical to use 20% BDG and up to 40% PKM in ram fattening diets.

FEEDLOT PERFORMANCE AND CARCASS TRAITS OF YANKASA RAMS. I — EFFECT OF VARYING THE CONCENTRATE TO ROUGHAGE RATIO

Thirty-five Yankasa rams initially weighing 22.5kg on the average were individually fed one of five diets formulated to differ in the roughage to concentrate ratio: 70:30, 60:40, 50:50, 40:60, 30:70. The diets were isonitrogenous and isocaloric. Average daily gain (ADG) and feed efficiency show­ed a linear response to increasing levels of dietary concentrate. Feed intake on the other hand did not reveal any significant difference. Both dry matter and nitrogen digestibility tended to increase with in­creasing dietary concentrate. Dressing percentage, kidney and mesenteric fats also increased with in­creasing concentrate level. Given the overall perfor­mance and current prices of feedstuffs, rams and mutton, it would seem that 50 to 60% dietary con­centrate is optimal for fattening.

GROWTH RESPONSE OF YANKASA SHEEP TO DIFFERENT LEVELS OF CONCENTRATE SUPPLEMENTATION

In a study that lasted for 120 days, 20 weaned Yankasa ram lambs aged 6 months and weighing between 10.5 and 14.5kg with an average of 12.75kg were offered a basal Digitaria smutsii hay diet at 2% of body weight. This was supplemented with a concentrate mixture made to supply 14.6% crude protein and 2.6 Mcal ME per kg and offered to treatment groups A, B, C and D at 1, 2, 3, and 4% of body weight respectively. There were five replicates and the animals were fed individually. Results indicated that the differences in Average Daily Gain was significant (P<0.05) between all the treatments; the value increased with increased level of feeding. The cost of effecting one unit of live weight increase was not significantly different (P<0.05) between treatments, A, B, and C, but it was significantly lower (P<0.05) than for treatment D. The low growth response of lambs fed the concentrate at 1% of body weight and the higher cost per unit gain of lambs offered the supplement at 4% of body weight suggested that concentrate supplementation at 2 and 3% of body weight was adequate for optimum liveweight gains in the Yankasa sheep breed.