Evaluation of palm kernel meal as a major source of energy and protein for fattening Yankasa rams.

Abstract

A 61-day experiment was conducted to assess the effect of feeding Palm Kernel Meal (PKM) as a substitute for maize and cottonseed cake (CSC) in the concentrate for fattening Yankasa rams. PKM replaced CSC wholly and maize at 0,33,66 and 100% levels to give treatments 1,2,3 and 4 respectively in a completely randomized design. The concentrates contained 0,51.52,73.26 and 95.25% PKM respectively. Average daily gains (119-136g/day), dry matter intake (855.897g/day), feed efficiency (6.59-7.19) dry matter digestibility (70.56-77.23%) were not significantly affected by the treatments. However, crude protein digestibility (69.39-76.32%) was significantly (P< 0.01) affected by the treatment, with treatment 4 giving the highest value and treatment 1 the lowest. It was also observed that feed cost per gain (N30.S9-H72.91/kg) declined significantly (P < 0.01) with increase in the levels of PKM. Based on the performance of the animals, it can be concluded that PKM can be used as both protein and energy sources for fattening Yankasa rams.

Key words: Palm Kernel Meal, performance, fattening Yankasa rams