PERFORMANCE OF UDA RAMS FED SORGHUM HUSK ENSILED WITH SOYA BEAN MEAL  AND POULTRY LITTER

S. A. Maigandi; K. M. Aljameel; A. A. Shehu; M. M. Mikailu; A. Z. Sanusi; M. Ibrahim; V. T. Pillah

doi:10.51791/njap.vi.5937

Authors

S. A. Maigandi Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto
K. M. Aljameel Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto
A. A. Shehu Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto
M. M. Mikailu Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto
A. Z. Sanusi Federal University Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State
M. Ibrahim Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria
V. T. Pillah National University Commission, Abuja

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51791/njap.vi.5937

Abstract

Study was conducted at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching and Research Farm Sokoto, to assess the performance of Uda rams fed sorghum husk ensiled with soybean meal (SBM) and poultry litter. Sixty three (63) days feeding trial was conducted using twelve (12) growing Uda rams. Silage was prepared using 70% sorghum husk and varying levels of SBM and poultry litter across the treatments i.e. 70% sorghum and 30%SBM, 70% sorghum husk and 30% poultry litter, 70% sorghum husk, 15% SBM and 15% poultry litter for treatment A,B, and C respectively. The ensiled diets were fed at the rate of 60:40 ensiled to concentrate. The results showed the chemical composition of experimental diet crude protein (CP) content was lower (13.78%) in treatment B and higher (14.84%) in treatment A. While crude fiber (CF) content increased from 22.13% in treatment A to 25.57 in treatment C. Ether extract varied between 6.52% (treatment A) and 7.67% treatment C. Feed intake was higher in treatment with SBM (soybean med). Average daily gain (ADG) obtained from the animals range from 72.38-186.51kg/day, from treatment D (control) to treatment A. Cost of feed per kg weight gain indicated that, treatment A was significantly lower (N429.77/kg) (P<0.05) compared to other treatments. Silage containing 70% sorghum husk and 30% soybean meal was better due to lesser cost of production.