Evaluation of Carcass and Non-carcass Characteristics of West African Dwarf Rams Fed Bambusa vulgaris Leaves with Neem Seed Cake and Guinea Grass

Authors

  • M. I. Okoruwa Ambrose Alli University, P. M. B. 14. Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria.
  • P. I Okoh Ambrose Alli University, P. M. B. 14. Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria.
  • I. Ikhimioya Ambrose Alli University, P. M. B. 14. Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51791/njap.v43i2.883

Keywords:

Bambusa vulgaris leaves, neem seed cake, rams, carcass, non-carcass

Abstract

Eighteen West African Dwarf rams balanced for weight (8.00 ± 0.20kg) were fed with Bambusa vulgaris leaves with neem seed cake and guinea grass to evaluate their carcass and non-carcass characteristics. The rams were assigned to three dietary treatments in a completely randomized design with six rams per treatment. The compared dietary treatments were as follows. Diet A(70% guinea grass and 30% concentrate diet); diet B(mixture of 50% Bambusa vulgaris leaves with 20% neem seed cake and 30% concentrate diet) and diet C(combination of 45% Bambusa vulgaris leaves with 25% neem seed and 30% concentrate diet). The results showed that diet A was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in average total feed intake (11.13kg), chilling losses (15.04%) and rumen / reticulum (2.04%) than diets B and C. Slaughter weight (11.33kg), empty body weight (10.32kg), hot and cold carcass weights (6.01 & 5.54kg), hot and cold carcass yield (53.05 & 48.90%), true yield (58.24%), liver (2.01%), kidneys (1.12%) and lungs (1.35%) were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in diet B than diet A or C. No significant difference (P > 0.05) observed in initial body weight, heart, spleen, omasum, abomasums, blood, skin and head among the treatment diets. It could be concluded that mixture of 50% Bambusa vulgaris leaves with 20% neem seed cake and 30% concentrate diet has the potential to improve carcass and non-carcass characteristics of West African Dwarf rams.

Author Biographies

M. I. Okoruwa, Ambrose Alli University, P. M. B. 14. Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria.

Department of Animal Science

P. I Okoh, Ambrose Alli University, P. M. B. 14. Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria.

Department of Animal Science

I. Ikhimioya, Ambrose Alli University, P. M. B. 14. Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria.

Department of Animal Science

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Published

2021-01-09

How to Cite

Okoruwa, M. I., Okoh, P. I., & Ikhimioya, I. (2021). Evaluation of Carcass and Non-carcass Characteristics of West African Dwarf Rams Fed Bambusa vulgaris Leaves with Neem Seed Cake and Guinea Grass. Nigerian Journal of Animal Production, 43(2), 124–132. https://doi.org/10.51791/njap.v43i2.883

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