Rumen metabolites of Yankasa rams fed various supplementations with ensiled composite basal diet made from crushed groundnut shell, African locust bean pulp and poultry litter

Abstract

Sixteen growing Yankasa rams weighing between 18-19kg were used to assess the utilization of ensiled crushed groundnut shell (CGNS), African locust bean pulp (ALBP) and poultry litter with various supplementations. The study was conducted at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching and Research Farm, Bauchi. Twenty (20) growing Yankasa rams were used. Five diets plus a basal diet were formulated. The experiment was laid in a complete randomized design (CRD) consisting of five treatments with four replications per treatment. Rumen liquor samples were collected at 0 hours before and 4 hours after feeding to determine rumen pH, ammonia nitrogen and volatile fatty acids. The results on rumen pH, after feeding, rumen ammonia-nitrogen and total volatile fatty acids before and after feeding indicates significant difference (P<0.05) between the treatments. Feeding of the diets significantly (P<0.05) influenced rumen volatile fatty acid. The study concludes that; ensiling crushed groundnut shell with locust bean pulp and poultry litter fed to Yankasa rams did not affect the rumen metabolites of the experimental animals. It is recommended that 50% CGNS and 30% ALBP should be ensiled with 20% poultry litter waste as basal diet for sheep especially in the dry season. The study also recommends further studies using groundnut shell and African locust bean pulp to expand their potentials as feedstuffs.