BLOOD PARAMETERS OF YANKASA RAMS FED UREA ENSILED CRUSHED CORN COBS SUPPLEMENTED WITH CONCENTRATES

Abstract

The study was conducted to determine the blood parameters of Yankasa rams fed urea ensiled crushed corn cobs (UECCC) with supplementation. The treatment groups were 1 crushed corn cobs (CCC), 2 urea ensiled corn cobs for seven days (UECCC7), 3 urea ensiled corn cobs for fourteen days (UECCC14) and 4 urea ensiled corn cobs for twenty one days (UECCC21). 20 animals were supplemented with 300g per head per day of concentrate made of maize bran and cotton seed cake. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design (CRD). Haematological parameters and Rumen pH were not affected by the dietary treatments, but all values were within the normal range for healthy animals. Rumen metabolites (total volatile fatty acids and rumen ammonia nitrogen) were 0significant. It was concluded that corn cobs ensiled with urea at 7, 14 and 21 days and supplemented with 300g/day of maize bran and cotton seed cake (1:1) had no adverse effect on the blood composition pH, total volatile fatty acids and rumen ammonia nitrogen of growing Yankasa sheep. Urea ensiled crushed corn cobs is therefore recommended as diet for sheep.