Comparative Evaluation Of Addition Of Sodium Bicarbonate And ‘Kanwa' To Maize Milling Waste And The Effects Of Utilization Of Two Treated Roughage Types By Yankasa Yearling Rams

Abstract

Twenty-four Yankasa yearling rams were grouped into six. Each group comprised of similar weights. The animals were randomly assigned to these six experimental feeds: Treated Maize Husk (TMH) +Maize Milling Waste (MMW) - control; TMH + Sodium Bicarbonate (SB) + MMW; TMH + MMW + ‘kanwa' (KW); Treated Rice Straw (TRS) + MMW - control; TRS + SB +MMW; TRS + MMW + KW. Both TMH and TRS were fed at the rate of 20g/kg while SB or KW and MMW were fed at the rate of 2g and 20g/kg body weight respectively. The objective of this study was to compare the relative effects of SB and KW on sheep performance when roughages were enhanced by chemical treatment. Intake of TMH varied from 36.42g/KgW 0.75 to 43.43g/KgW 0.75, while that of TRS varied from 37.24g/KgW 0.75 to 44.66g/KgW 0.75. Intakes of supplements varied from 42.02g/KgW 0.75 to 51.68g/KgW 0.75. Addition of KW to the feed was superior to sodium bicarbonate in terms of feed intake and weight responses.

Keywords: Yankasa, Rams, Rice straw, Maize, Sodium bicarbonate, ‘Kanwa'

Nigerian Veterinary Journal Vol. 27 (3) 2006 pp.6-14