Effect of wet season supplementation on growth and haematology of Djallonké sheep

Abstract

Despite the numerous benefits derived from livestock, it is faced with several challenges denying livestock owners of maximum gains from this enterprise. There is availability of forage in the wet season however, farmers have to tether or stall feed their animals limiting them access to the available forage because of the cropping period. Supplement is required to rectify deficiencies of soluble nitrogen and minerals. The effect of wet season supplementation on growth and haematology of Djallonké sheep was investigated. A total of twelve (12) young Djallonké sheep (6 males and 6 females) were randomly assigned to two treatments groups: No supplemented (NS) T1 and Concentrate Supplementation (CS) T2. The results showed that final weight of sheep were not influenced (P>0.05) by the diet. The average daily gain (ADG) of sheep was significantly higher (P<0.05) in the CS group. The red blood cells (RBCs) was significantly different (P<0.05) with recorded values of 6.89 (10˄6/l) and 5.15 (10˄6/l) for NS and CS, respectively. The nutritive value of native pastures during the wet season were adequate to support growth performance of the animals.