Nutrient Intake by Yankasa Rams fed Sugarcane Waste (SCW) Silage

Abstract

A feeding trial was conducted for twelve weeks (eighty four days) to assess the nutrients intake of Yankasa rams fed ensiled sugarcane waste (ESCW) enhanced with non – protein nitrogen sources (urea and poultry litter) and soybean meal. Sixteen (16) Yankasa rams (mean body weight 25kg±0.46; aged 8 to 15 months) were randomly allotted to the treatment groups viz; T₁ (100% SCW plus urea, unensiled) as control, T₂ (100% SCW plus urea, ensiled), T₃ (75%SCW plus 25% SBM, ensiled) and T₄ (75% SCW plus 25% PL, ensiled) in a randomised complete block design (RCBD). The experimental rams were offered basal diet along with clean drinking water and mineral salt lick ad-libitum, while a concentrate diet was formulated containing 16.26%CP and offered at 1.5% body weight to each of the experimental animals. The results obtained indicated non-significant (P>0.05) differences in the treatment means of all the nutrient intakes evaluated however, all the values obtained for T₃ and T₄ were numerically higher. The results of the study showed that ensilage of SCW with urea, PL, SBM enhanced nutrient intake. Therefore, SCW silage fortified with these materials could be used to feed small ruminants when feed resources are unlimited or low.