USE OF BAGASSE IN DIETS FOR FATTENING CATTLE

This study aimed towards utilization of bagasse in diets for fattening cattle by the addition of supplements containing crude protein, starch and fat. Sixty entire feeder bulls (Sudan Baggara type) aged two to three years and averaged live weight of 166 Kg were used. Animals were divided into four groups of equal average live weight and number. Each group sub-divided into three groups of five animals each. Four iso-caloric and iso - nitrogenous diets containing 0%, 10%, 20% and 30% raw bagasse were computed and offered to animal groups. Total live weight gain, final body weight and daily gain were insignificantly decreased by inclusion of bagasse level in the diet. Daily dry matter intake increased as bagasse increase and this was significant (P<.05) at 20% and 30% levels. Feed conversion efficiency deteriorated but not significantly with the increase of bagasse. Slaughter and carcass weights were insignificantly decreased with the increase of bagasse level in the diets. Carcass muscles fats was significantly (P<.05) decreased. Dressing percentage decreased and chiller shrinkage increased but not significantly with the increase of dietary bagasse. Non carcass components were significantly differed among treatments and only omental, mesenteric and kidney fats insignificantly decreased as dietary bagasse increased. Diet digestibility revealed significantly (P<.001) high decreases in the digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, nitrogen free extract and crude fiber.