Quantitative Protein And Fat Metabolism In West African Dwarf Sheep Fed Margaritaria Discoidea As Supplement

Abstract

Protein and energy utilization and quantitative retention of protein, fat and energy was investigated with twelve castrated Djallonke sheep averaging (20.0 ± 2.2kg BW) in nitrogen and energy balance trials. Dried leaves of Margaritaria discoidea were offered as supplement at two levels (25% (diet 2) and 50% (diet 3) of DMI), replacing hay in a basal hay diet. The basal hay diet wthout supplementation was the control. Measurements were performed by means of nitrogen and carbon balances with the use of indirect calorimetry. The digestibility of proten was not influenced by supplementation, while utilization of protein was influenced (P<0.05). Metabolisability of energy (ME/GE) was on the average 46.7 (SEM 1.6) % being not significantly (P>0.05) different between treatment. Diet 3 had a higher (P<0.05) total amount of energy retained in protein and fat (0.28 MJ/d) compared with the control det. It was concluded that Margaritaria discoidea improved protein utilization and retention in Djallonke sheep.

Keywords: Margaritaria discoidea, Protein, Energy, Fat utilization and retention, Sheep

Animal Research International Vol. 1 (1) 2004: pp. 42-46