Growth Performance of West African Dwarf (WAD) Sheep Fed Biodegraded Enterolobium cyclocarpum Based Diets

Abstract

The performance and economics of production of West African Dwarf (WAD) sheep was investigated in an experiment that lasted for 70 days. Twelve male sheep averaging 9.9 kg in liveweight and aged 7 - 9 months were randomly assigned to four treatment groups in a completely randomized design with three animals per treatment. Chemical composition of diets, intake, liveweight gain and cost implication of feeding WAD sheep with grass, a conventional concentrate, an autoclaved and biodegraded Enterolobium cyclocarpum based diet were determined. The crude protein content of Guinea grass (4.43%) was relatively low compared to that of biodegraded Enterolobium cyclocarpum (14.13%). Total consumption and liveweight change were not significantly different (P < 0.05). The growth rate of animals fed concentrates were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than those on the grass diet. Cost per Kg of feed was the highest for control and least for guinea grass diet. However, cost per unit gain was the highest for guinea grass diet (N 176.73) and least for biodegraded Enterolobium cyclocarpum diet (N 72.62). It was cheaper to produce 1 kg mutton using biodegraded EC diets than control, autoclaved and guinea grass diets respectively. The results suggest that biodegrading of Enterolobium cyclocarpum improved its nutrient quality, utilization and the performance and economy of production of West African Dwarf sheep.