Global Journal of Biology, Agriculture & Health Sciences

Abstract

Effect of Graded Levels of Parkia biglobosa in a Concentrate Diet on Growth Performance, Digestibility and Nitrogen Utilization of Yankasa Rams

N. I. Wada,A. A. Njidda, O. A. Olafadehan,B. Bello

The current study was carried out to evaluate the effect of dietary inclusion of Parkia biglobosa on growth performance and nutrients digestibility of Yankasa rams. Sixteen (16) growing males Yankasa rams were used in the study. Parkia biglobosa was added at graded levels of 0, 5, 10 and 15% and the dietary treatments designated as T1, T2, T3 and T4 respectively. The experimental animals were allotted to four treatments complete randomize design with four animals per treatment. The feeding trial lasted for 90 days. The result obtained for growth performance showed that body weight gain was higher (p<0.05) for T4 compared to T1 and T2 which were similar. The final body weight, average daily body weight gain, average daily dry matter intake and feed conversion ratio showed no significant (p<0.05) effect among treatments. Significant difference (p<0.05) was observed among treatment groups for nutrient digestibility. Nitrogen utilization recorded significant (p<0.05) treatment effect on all the parameters observed. In conclusion the result from this study shows that inclusion of Parkia biglobosa in the diet of Yankasa rams increases intake and subsequently increase in live weight. There’s also positive nitrogen utilization.

Published Date: 2014-10-09;