PERFORMANCE OF SHEEP FED DIFFERENT MULTI-NUTRIENT BLOCKS (MNB) AS SUPPLEMENT TO MILLET STOVER IN SEMI-ARID ZONE OF NIGERIA.

Abstract

The study was conducted to determine the influence of multi nutrient blocks (MNB) as supplement to millet stover in the Semi-arid region of Nigeria. From result of proximate and in sacco degradability properties, four multi nutrient blocks (MNB) were selected and subjected to in vivo trial. Twenty (20)
sheep with an average body weight of 21.75kg were used for the study. The animals were divided into four (4) treatment groups. The study lasted for 56 days. The results of initial body weight gain, final body weight gain, daily basal intake, daily supplement intake and total feed intake show no significant (P>0.05)differences between the treatment means. While there were significant (P<0.05) differences among the treatment means on Feed conversion ratio, daily live weight gain and total weight gain. Therefore, it could be concluded that, animals on T3 had better performance; therefore, the diet with (Faidherbia albida +Locust bean pulp +Wheat bran) in diet of sheep increased intake and performance. Furthermore, the four multi nutrient blocks (MNB) under study revealed that it could be valuable alternative animals feed sources in ruminant feeding.