INFLUENCE OF FICUS LEAF MEAL AS A REPLACEMENT FOR COTTON SEED CAKE ON SOME BLOOD AND RUMEN METABOLITES OF GROWING BUNAJI BULLS

Abstract

A study was conducted to evaluate the influence of inclusion of Ficus thonningii leaf meal (FTLM) in a CSC based diet for growing Bunaji bulls on some rumen metabolites. FTLM was included at 0 and 10, 20 and 30 % in the diets. The pH values observed in the rumen fluid was similar (P>0.05) across dietary treatments. Rumen ammonia nitrogen and Total Volatile acid (TVFA) were higher (P<0.05) at 0 and 10 % inclusion levels as compared to 20 and 30 % inclusion levels. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) was highest (P<0.05) at 30 % inclusion level (3.87 mmol/L) compared to 0% inclusion level (1.83 mmol/L). Creatinine
level was also highest (P<0.05) in 30 % FTLM (55.00 µmol/L), while glucose level was highest (P<0.05) at 10 % inclusion level (7.13 mmol/L). Inclusion of FTLM in the diet of growing Bunaji bulls up to 10% has no any detrimental effect on some of rumen and blood metabolites.