Vachellia erioloba leaf meal inclusion in ammoniated maize stover-based finisher diets improves growth, meat quality and fatty acid profiles of lambs

The effects of Vachellia erioloba leaf meal incorporation in maize stover based diets on growth, meat quality and fatty acid profiles of lambs was assessed. Thirty-two female lambs weighing approximately 21.86 ± 1 kg were allotted to four dietary treatments formulated with the inclusion of maize stove and V. erioloba in place of the lucerne in diets: Control (Lamb finishing ration, LFR), LFR + 20 % untreated maize stover (UMS), LFR + 20 % ammoniated maize stover (AMS) and LFR + 10 % ammoniated maize stover and 10 % Vachellia leaf meal (AMSVL). Lambs fed the Control and AMSVL diets had the highest (P < 0.05) average daily feed intake (ADFI), while those fed the AMS and AMSVL diets obtained lower FCR values. Loin weights were higher in lambs fed the AMSVL diet. Lambs fed the UMS diet had the highest (P = 0.05) value for meat redness (a*). Water holding capacity (WHC) was highest (P < 0.05) in lambs fed the AMSVL, while shear force values were highest in lambs fed the UMS diet. The UMS diet obtained the highest amounts of SFAs. Nevertheless, the lambs in the AMSVL treatment obtained the highest (P < 0.05) proportions of total UFAs. Diet had no effect on PUFAs, PUFA/SFA and omega6/omega 3 ratios. Supplementing treated maize stover with Vachellia erioboba leaf meal may optimize growth, meat quality and fatty acid profiles of meat in lambs.