Performance of fattening rams fed varying levels of fore-stomach digesta

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the performance of fattening rams fed fore-stomach digesta (FSD) to replace cowpea husk at 0 (control), 10, 20, 30 and 40 % levels (treatments 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 respectively). Results showed that including FSD up to 30 % level in the diet did not significantly (P>0.05) affect live weight gain. Total dry matter intake (TDMI) for treatment 1 was significantly higher (P<0.50) than those obtained for treatments 3, 4 and 5. Animals on treatment 4 had better nutrient digestibility, followed by those on treatments 1, 3, 5 and 2, in that order. N-retention recorded for treatments 1 and 5 were similar. Treatment 3 (20 % FSD) gave the lowest (P<0.05) feed cost per kg live weight. These results indicate that FSD could be incorporated up to a level of 30 % in the diets of fattening rams without significantly affecting performance. However, for best economic returns, the inclusion rate should not go beyond 20 %.