Growth Response of West African Dwarf (WAD) Sheep Fed Plantain Peel with Blended Crop Residue Ration

Abstract

A feeding trial was conducted to determine the growth response of West African Dwarf (WAD) sheep fed unripe plantain peel supplemented with blended crop residue ration. Sixteen (16) growing female WAD sheep with the average live weight of 8kg were randomly allotted into four dietary treatments of individual pens and to one of four (4) treatments diets in a complete randomised design with four animals per replicate. Results indicated that dietary dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), ash and ether extract (EE) contents were similar (p>0.05) among diets 1 to 4, except for DM, CP and EE of diet 1, which significantly (p<0.05) differed. The CP contents were highest (17.33%) in diet 4 and lowest (5.20%) in diet 1. The crude fibre (21.86-31.66%) content differed (p<0.05) among diets. Total feed intake (g/day) was significantly (p<0.05) highest in sheep fed diet 3 (1046.35 g/day) and lowest in sheep fed diet 4 (921.80 g/day). However, sheep fed diet 2 had the highest (p<0.05) live weight gain (60.65 g/day) and feed conversion ratio (16.56) compared to other treatments. In conclusion, sheep fed plantain peel supplemented with diet 2 utilized the feed more efficiently and gave the best weight gain.