Wafer As Dry Season Suppliment for Livestock Formulated With Different Sources of Binders and Levels of Inclusion in the Semi - Arid Region

Abstract

A study was conducted in the semi-arid Kano; to investigate the effect of livestock feed binders and levels of inclusion on
proximate and fiber composition of the resultant livestock wafers. Levels of inclusion revealed there were significant differences
(p<0.05) amongst variables examined with the exception of DM. Inclusion of 28% levels of binders resulted in wafers with a
higher amount of OM, CP, EE and NDF. Type of binders used in wafers prepared revealed significantly (<0.05) influence the
variables evaluated. Cement significantly affected (p<0.05) the concentrate of ash. Similarly, Gum Arabic influenced (p<0.05), the
values of CP in the wafer formulated while starch influenced (p< 0.05) OM, CF, E, NDF and ADF. The 28% levels of wafers
seem adequate since it was easy to handle and break by small ruminants, upon ingestion. The results from the current study
show that 28% level of binder increase the components of the proximate composition, handling properly due to hardiness for
ease of transportation and storage while the starch as binder produced wafer of better nutritive value relative to Gum Arabic or
cement. It is therefore recommended that concentrate supplements as wafer for livestock can be produced using 28% level of
starch inclusion.