EFFECTS OF PROTEIN ON NITROGEN RETENTION AND SOME RUMEN FLUID VARIABLES IN YANKASA RAMS FED ACHA (DIGITARIA EXILIS) STRAW DIETS

Abstract

A Completely Randomised Design was used to evaluate the effects of graded levels of protein on Nitrogen retention (NR) and some rumen fluid variables in Yankasa rams fed acha (digitaria exilis) straw (AS) diets. Sixteen rams initially weighing 13.20 – 13.55kg were used. Rams were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments of four animals. Each animal was offered 300g concentrate supplement (CS) daily, while AS was supplied ad lib. CS diets contained 11.0, 13.0, 15.0 or 17.0% CP but similar ME of 2400 Kcal/kg. Results showed that Rams on treatment 4 proved superior for total nitrogen intake, output and retained at P<0.01, P<0.05 and P<0.05 respectively. Ruminal pH remained unchanged before and 4hrs after feeding while ruminal ammonia nitrogen and total volatile fatty acids were highest (P<0.01) in treatment 4 rams. The values were least in treatment 1 rams. It was then concluded that AS supplemented with 17%CP and 2400 Kcal/kgME improved improve NR with rams showing increased Total ruminal ammonia nitrogen and Total volatile fatty acids in  rowing rams.