Nutrient intake and digestibility of west african dwarf rams fed basal diet supplemented with graded energy levels of concentrate mix

The study investigated the effect of graded energy levels of concentrate mix on nutrient intake and digestibility of West African Dwarf rams fed basal diet (Pennisetum purpurem). A total number of twenty-five (25) West African Dwarf rams were used in a completely randomized design. The concentrate formulated at 2,600 kcal/kg, 2,400 kcal/kg, 2,200 kcal/kg, 2,000 kcal/kg and 1,800 kcal/kg energy levels as treatments 1–5 respectively. At the end of the feeding trial, rams were allotted into metabolic cages for separate feeding, collection of feces and urine. The faecal samples collected were bulked and 10 % aliquot was taken for chemical analysis. Results showed that the dry matter intake was significantly (p<0.05) influenced by the dietary energy intake which ranged from 314.6 to 326.6 g/day. Rams fed with 2600 kcal/kg recorded the highest dry matter intake, while rams on 2200kcal/kg observed with lowest dry matter intake (314.6 g/day). The crude protein intake was not significantly (p>0.05) affected by different energy intake. There were significant differences in Ether Extract intake as (13.51‒13.80 g/day), Ash intake as (25.73‒36.11 g/day), and Nitrogen Free Extracts as (67.28‒72.04 g/day). The fiber fractions were significantly (p<0.05) affected by different energy intake. Significant differences (p<0.05) were obtained for dry matter digestibility (72.69‒81.21 %), crude protein digestibility (59.41‒67.59 %), Nitrogen Free Extract digestibility (55.64‒63.52 %). It was therefore concluded that basal diet (Pennisetum purpurem) for West African Dwarf rams could be supplemented with 2,600 kcal/kg energy level of concentrate mix for better feed utilization and improved productivity