ESTIMATION OF CALCIUM REQUIREMENT OF GROWING YANKASA LAMBS BY FACTORIAL METHOD

Abstract

Fifty-two Yankasa lambs of mixed sexes age, 6 to 8 months, were used in this study to determine calcium requirement. Varying levels of dietary calcium viz: 0.28, 0.42, 0.56, 0.70, 0.86, 0.99 and 1.15% were tested in a Completely randomized design. Phosphorus was kept constant at the level in the control ration. The criteria of adequacy employed included clinical observations, growth performance and mineral retention. No clinical abnormality was Observed among the groups throughout the experimental period. Although growth performance improved with increase in dietary calcium level, treatment effects among groups on 030, 0.86, 0.99 and 1.15% dietary levels were not significant (P > 0.05). Apparent dry matter digestibility and calcium retention improved with increase in dietary calcium. Mean calcium requirement for lambs was 305 mg/day/kg body weight. Comparisons with the findings of some temperate workers showed that while the endogenous calcium loss for lambs in this region was lower, their requirement for calcium Was higher than those in the temperate region