The growth performance of sheep fed with different wafer feed supplement

Abstract

Providing wafer feed supplement using ingredients that are easily obtained is one effective way to add nutrients consumed by livestock. This study aimed to evaluate the supplementation of wafer feed supplement derived from lamtoro (Leucaena leucocecphala) leaves, bean sprouts, and morinda (Morinda citrifolia) leaves on sheep growth performance. The research used randomized block design with 4 treatments and 3 groups that were differentiated based on the initial body weight. The treatment given consisted of T0: control feed, T1: control feed + 15% lamtoro leaves wafer, T2: control feed + 15% bean sprouts wafer, T3: control feed + 15% morinda leaves wafer. The sheep were fed forage:concentrate with a ratio of 40:60 for 2 months. The results showed that supplementation of wafer feed supplement significantly increased nutrient intake, daily body weight gain, and increased income over feed cost (IOFC). Supplementation of wafer containing lamtoro leaves provides the highest daily body weight gain and IOFC compared to other treatments. This showed that eventhough there are additional costs for making wafer feed supplement, but this is able to support livestock productivity, so that it can provide greater benefits for farmers.