EFFECT OF INCLUSION OF HAULM OF DIFFERENT GROUNDNUT (Arachis hypogaea) VARIETIES ON INTAKE, NUTRIENT DIGESTIBILITY AND NITROGEN BALANCE IN YANKASA RAMS

Abstract

The work was carried out to study the intake. nutrient digestibility and nitrogen balance in Yankasa rams fed haulms of different groundnut varieties in concentrate diets. Nine Yankasa rams average weight 13.40kg +2 were randomly assigned into three groups with three rams per group in a completely randomized design. The experimental diets consist of Digitaria smutsii hay as a basal diet which was fed ad libitum and concentrates which were supplemented with 10% of groundnut haulm of SAMNUT22 and Local Variety were offered at the rate of 1% of body weight per head daily. The results of the trial showed that animals fed 10% SAMNUT 22haulm had highest (p<0.05) DM, intake. Apparent digestibility of all nutrients was high (p<0.05) in animals fed 10% SAMNUT 22 inclusion and had the best digestibility of all nutrients. It can be concluded from the trial that SAMNUT 22 can be included in the diets of Yankasa rams up to 10% without adverse effect on intake, digestibility of nutrients and nitrogen balance.