Utilization of acha hay (Gigistaria exilis) with lablab hay (Lablab purpureus) as supplement for Yankasa rams in Adamawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study was conducted to evaluate the feeding value of acha hay and lablab hay based diets to Yankasa rams. Twenty Yankasa rams aged between 6 to 9 months with average live-weight of 10 to 12kg were subjected to five treatment diets each consisting of four replicates in complete randomized design (CRD). The five treatment diets are T1 (Sole acha hay), T2 (Acha hay +100g lablab hay), T3 (Acha hay +200g lablab hay), T4 (Acha hay +300g lablab hay) and T5 (Acha hay +400g lablab hay). Feed intake was significantly different (P<0.05) with the highest intake recorded in T5 and least in T1. Feed conversion ratio was also significantly different (P<0.05), but live-weight gain was not significantly different (P>0.05), although it increases with supplementation level. Nutrients digestibility was not significantly different (P>0.05) but improves with level of supplement. The Acha hay and lablab hay being available during period of scarcity could improve the performances of the animals.

Keywords: Acha hay, Lablab hay, Digestibility, Performance, Yankasa rams