Effects of Forage Restriction on Digestibility, Performance and Enteric Methane Emission in West African Dwarf Sheep
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Abstract
The performance and enteric methane emission of WAD sheep following restricted feeding with Panicum maximum (PM), Centrosema pubescens (CP) and their combination (PM + CP) were evaluated in this study. Twenty adult West African Dwarf sheep (ewes) were randomly assigned to four dietary treatment groups 1, II, III and IV in a completely randomized design (CRD) of five animals per group. Group I (control) animals were on free range feeding while groups II, III and IV received PM (100%), CP (100%) and 50%PM + 50%CP respectively. Group III recorded a significant reduction (P<0.05) in feed and water intakes compared to other groups. The weight gain was similar in groups I and IV but significantly higher (p<0.05) in group IV compared to groups II and III. Methane emission rate (MER) and Feed conversion ratio were significantly (p<0.05) lower in group IV animals compared to other groups. The digestibility of dry matter (DM) was significantly higher (p<0.05) in group III animals compared to those of other groups. Crude protein (CP) digestibility was similar in groups III and IV animals but significantly (p<0.05) higher in group III compared to groups I and II. The crude fibre digestibility was significantly (p<0.05) increased in groups II, III and animals IV compared to those of the control. Calcium digestibility did not differ significantly between groups II and III but was higher in (p<0.05) group II compared to groups I and IV. Similarly, Phosphorus digestibility was significantly (p<0.05) increased in group II compared to group I but did not differ with those of groups III and IV. It was concluded that forage restriction to the combination of PM and CP (50%:50%) in WAD sheep produced the best growth performance, nutrient digestibility and utilization and least methane emission.
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References
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