Nutrient digestibility and Nitrogen balance in Yearling Bunaji bulls fed diets containing graded levels of Palm kernel cake

Authors

  • R .T. Sani Ahmadu Bello University, Shika – Zaria
  • O. S. Lamidi Ahmadu Bello University, Shika – Zaria
  • D. D. Dung Ahmadu Bello University, Shika – Zaria
  • M. R. Hassan Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51791/njap.vi.5743

Keywords:

Nitrogen balance, Nutrient digestibility, Yearling Bunaji bulls

Abstract

At the end of 90 days feeding trial, A study was conducted to investigate nutrient digestibility and nitrogen retention in 15 yearling white Fulani bulls fed diets containing graded levels of Palm Kernel Cake (at 0%, 10%, 20%, 30% and 40% PKC) in a completely randomized design. 3 bulls were randomly selected from each treatment and moved to metabolic crates for metabolism trial. The bulls were allowed 14days adjustment period and 7 days for faecal collection. Concentrate and basal diets of Digitaria smutsii were offered at 2% body weight each. There were significant (P<0.05) differences in all the digestibility parameters obtained. Animals on 40% PKC inclusion had the highest digestibility values for all the parameters measured. The result showed a decrease in urinary nitrogen loss, the faecal nitrogen loss and total nitrogen output as the level of PKC increased in the diets. Nitrogen retained and nitrogen retained as % N intake were highest in animals on 40% PKC diets. The supplied nutrients were well tolerated and properly utilized with positive nitrogen balance. Hence, it was concluded that inclusion of Palm Kernel Cake up to 40% in the diets of yearling Bunaji Bulls can be adopted by farmers in Nigeria for increased productivity.

Author Biographies

R .T. Sani, Ahmadu Bello University, Shika – Zaria

National Animal Production Research Institute 

O. S. Lamidi, Ahmadu Bello University, Shika – Zaria

National Animal Production Research Institute 

D. D. Dung, Ahmadu Bello University, Shika – Zaria

National Animal Production Research Institute 

M. R. Hassan, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

Department of Animal Science 

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Published

2024-07-09

How to Cite

Sani, R. .T., Lamidi, O. S., Dung, D. D., & Hassan, M. R. . (2024). Nutrient digestibility and Nitrogen balance in Yearling Bunaji bulls fed diets containing graded levels of Palm kernel cake. Nigerian Journal of Animal Production, 720–723. https://doi.org/10.51791/njap.vi.5743

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