EFFECTS OF Gliricidia sepium AND NEEM LEAVES SUPPLEMENTATION ON NITROGEN METABOLISM IN SHEEP

Abstract

The effects of Gliricidia sepium and neem tree leaves supplementation on nitrogen metabolism were determined in sheep. A total of twelve (12) ewe-lambs with mean weight of 7.00 ± 0.65kg were allotted to three dietary treatments with four (4) animals per treatment in a completely randomised design. Dietary treatments comprised; 1(50% guinea grass + 20% Gliricidia sepium foliage +30% concentrate diet which served as control group), 2(45% guinea grass + 25% Gliricidia sepium foliage +30% concentrate diet) and 3(40% guinea grass + 30% Gliricidia sepium foliage + 30% concentrate diet). Animals in treatment diets 2 and 3 received 3 and 6 grams of neem leaves meal per animal per day as supplement respectively. The results showed that ewe-lambs on Diet I had higher (P < 0.05) faecal and total nitrogen output (4.33 & 5.21g/day respectively) than those on Diet 2 or 3. Nitrogen intake (20.93g/day), nitrogen balance (17.33g/day) and nitrogen retention (81.47%) were higher (P 0.05) in animals on Diet 3 compared with those on Diets 1 or 2. It can be concluded that 40% guinea grass 30% concentrate diet with 30% Gliricidia sepium foliage + 6 grams neem leaves supplementation has the potential to improve nitrogen metabolism in sheep.