PRODUCTION FORE-STOMACH DIGESTA IN THE DIETS OF GROWING SHEEP. 1. PERFORMANCE AND ECONOMICS OF PRODUCTION

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the performance of growing sheep fed varying levels of fore- stomach digesta replacing cowpea husk at 0, (control) 10,20,30 and 40% levels designated as treat- ments 1,2,3,4 and 5 respectively. There was an insignificant decrease in the average daily gain (ADG) (p>0.05) from 94 g (treatment I) to 68 g (treatment 5). Total dry matter intake (TDMI) showed a signifi- cant decline (P<0.05) from treatment 1 (830 g/day) to treatment 5 (706 g/day). When expressed as per- centage of body weight, TDMJ was highest for treatment 2 (3.5%) and lowest for treatment 5 (2.3%) but the differences were not significant (P<0.05). Feed efficiency was similar for all treatments. CP and CF intakes were not significant between treatments. N retention was higher for animals on treatments 2 (96 g/day) and 4 (I O~ g/day) compared to the other treatments. Significantly, N retention was signifi- cantly higher (P<0.05) for animals on treatment 1 (81 g/day) and 3 (86 g/day) compared to those on treatment 5 (71 g/day). Total cost of feed per kg liveweight gain was highest for animals on treatment 2 (NI56) and lowest for animals on treatment 5 (N82) but the differences were not significant (P>U.0