Development of feeding regimes with some crop residues: maize offal, cowpea husk, poultry litter and groundnut haulms in a semi-arid environment of Nigeria

Abstract

The experiment was designed to develop a feeding regime using 4 local feedstuffs and to determine their rumen degradation at different time interval. The feed ingredients used where maize offal, cowpea husk (energy source), groundnut haulms and poultry litter (protein source). The formulation was based on the ratio 60:40 of energy to protein sources. Ten formulations F1–F10 were developed. The dry matter (DM) content of the formulation was within the range of (89.60–99.8%), crude protein (4.37–15.80%), crude fibre (25.5.00-46.00%), and gross energy (12.13-13.18 GE MJ/Kg DM). Three grams of the samples were weighed into the nylon bags and incubated for 6, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48 and 72 hours respectively. There were significant differences in the DM disappearance of the formulations. All the formulations used in this study recorded above 50% dry matter degradability at 48 hours period of incubation. This implies that the formulations were highly degradable in the rumen and warrant them to be used as rations for ruminants. In conclusion, when local feed ingredients are mixed in the right proportion, it can contribute significantly to the nutritional requirement of ruminants.

Key words: Maize offal, cowpea husk, poultry litter, groundnut haulms, DM disappearance.