Intake and Digestibility by Yankasa Sheep of Diets Containing Different Proportions of Legumes and Mature Grass (Cynodon nlemfuensis)

Abstract

A total of 20 yankasa sheep with liveweights ranging from 25 kg were used in a completely randomized experiment to assess the effect of combining tropical legume (Stylosanthes guyanensis) with a mature grass (Cynodon nlemfuensis) on intake and digestibility of these animals. Experimental diets were grass alone (Cynodon nlemfuensis), 3 combinations of Cynodon nlemfuensis and Stylosanthes guyanensis (10%, 20%, 30%), and Stylonsanthes guyanensis alone. There were 4 sheep in each treatment. The experiment lasted 4 weeks being made up of 3 weeks of feeding and 1 week of collection. Parameters of evaluation were the nutrient composition of the feed, the nutrient intake and digestibilities.
The result indicated that the intake of mature Cynodon nlemfuensis increased with inclusion of Stylosanthes guyanensis in the forage offered. Total dry matter (DM) and other nutrient intake increased appreciably (P<0.05) with the inclusion of the legume. Apparent DM, fibre and crude protein digestibilities of the total diets increased with increase in the proportion of Stylosanthes guyanensis in the forage offered and consumed.


JARD Vol. 3 2004: pp. 1-6