Supplementary effect of concentrate feed on the performance and nutrient digestibility of Cane-Rats (Thryonomys Swinderianus) fed a basal diet of Elephant Grass (Pennisetum purpurеuт)

Abstract

A study was conducted to the determine the effects of concentrate supplimentation on performance and nutrient digestibility in cane-rats/grasscutters. There were initiall three treatments: 0%, 10% and 20% concentrate supplementation onas fed basis to a basal elephant grass diet. Fifteen weaned cane-rats with average body weights of 1150g(士365.40) were randomly assigned to the three treatments based on weight and sex. The growth study was conducted for eight weeks. A nutrient digestibility study was also conducted using three grasscutters per treatment. The cane-rats fes 20% supplementary concentrate gained more weight than those offered 10% concentrate feed. Crude protein was better (p<0.05) digested by cane-rats on 20% concentrate feed whereas, ash and ether extract digestibility were better on 10% concentrate feed. The 0% concentrate treatment was terminated because three of the cane-rats(68% mortality) died within three weeks of the study. It is recomendedfrom this study that cane-rats fed a basal grass diet should be supplemented with 20% concentrate on as fed basis