Feed Intake, Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics of West African Dwarf Sheep Fed Moringa oleifera, Gliricidia sepium or Cassava Fodder as Supplements to Panicum maximum
Journal Title: Journal of Experimental Agriculture International - Year 2016, Vol 14, Issue 4
Abstract
The performance and carcass characteristics of West African dwarf (WAD) sheep fed Panicum maximum supplemented with Moringa oleifera, Gliricidia sepium or cassava fodder, were investigated in a randomized complete block and completely randomized design experiments respectively. Twenty four growing WAD sheep (10.7 kg average live weight) were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments: 1: 100% P. maximum (control), 2: 75% P. maximum + 25% M. oleifera, 3: 75% P. maximum + 25% G. sepium, 4: 75% P. maximum + 25% Cassava leaves. Dry matter (DM) intake (g/kgW0.75/day) ranged between 74.6 for treatment 4 and 92.7 for treatment 3. Crude protein (CP) intake in treatment 3 was higher than in treatments 1 and 4. Growth rate ranged between 6.53 g/day to 12.74 g/day for treatments 1 and 4 respectively while treatments 2 and 4 had better feed conversion ratio than treatment 1. Average dressing percentage was 33.9% and there was no significant difference in the carcass characteristics among the various treatments. It was concluded that Moringa oleifera is a suitable alternative to Gliricidia sepium as supplement in small ruminant diets.
Authors and Affiliations
A. A. Fadiyimu, J. A. Alokan, A. N. Fajemisin, G. E. Onibi
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP351296
- DOI 10.9734/JEAI/2016/25167
- Views 93
- Downloads 0
Immobilization of Fluoride in Soils through Soil Properties - A Review
Fluoride (F) is one of the elements that are important in dental and skeletal formation in human beings. If present at optimal levels, it plays a very important role of preventing dental carries. However, its excessive u...
Garlic (Allium sativum) Powder as an Additive in Broilers (1-28 Days). Phase 1: Growth Performance and Hypocholesterolemic Effects
Garlic cloves were purchased from the local market and made into powdery form by mincing and sun-drying. One hundred and ninety-two day old commercial broilers were randomly allotted to four treatments and four replicate...
Impact of Fungicide Application on Taro Leaf Blight Disease in Three Regions of Cameroon
The study was conducted in the research field sites of the Institute of Agricultural Research (IRAD), Bambui, North West Region, (IRAD), Ekona South West Region and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (II...
Response of Broilers to Dietary Moringa oleifera Leaf, Raw and Cooked Seed Meal and Synthetic Antibiotics
The effects of Moringa oleifera leaf meal and raw and cooked seed meal as a replacement for synthetic antibiotic (tetracycline) on carcass characteristics, heart and liver histology of broiler chickens were assessed in a...
Photosynthetic Efficiency and Antioxidant Activity of Cotton under Drought Stress during Early Floral Bud Development
Aims: Identify changes in photosynthetic efficiency, pigment concentration, and enzyme activity in cotton caused by water-deficit stresses during early floral bud development; compare physiological stress responses among...