Effect of supplementation of tef (Eragrostis tef) straw with different levels of noug (Guizotia abyssinica) meal on worked Arsi oxen (Bos indicus)

Abstract

Supplementing the tef (Eragrostis tef) straw feed of Arsi oxen (Bos indicus) with 1, 2 or 4 kg per animal per day of noug (Guizotia abyssinica) meal for 90 days improved growth parameters. Supplementation significantly increased feed intake, average daily gain, and the weight of dressed carcass and lean meat. Supplementation with 1 kg of noug meal was the most profitable, giving a net return per animal of US$17.10, whereas a sole diet of tef straw gave a loss of US$18.66 per animal. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.