Performance of West African dwarf sheep fed cassava peel-based diets

Abstract

Chemical compositions of ensiled cassava peels, dried cassava peels and gliricidia on the performance of West African Dwarf sheep were evaluated. Twelve grower rams and ewes between 5-7 months of age were allotted to three treatment diets: D1 (control) diet was 100% gliricidia (GLI) (leaves with bark and soft stem), D2 consisted of 80% ensiled cassava peels plus 20% gliricidia (ENP/GNI) while D3 consisted of 80% dried cassava peels plus 20% gliricidia (DP/GLI). The three test feeds were observed to have more comparable crude fibre contents ranging from 16.07% for ensiled cassava peels to 18.20% for gliricidia. The gross energy values were also comparable ranging from 3.93kcal/gDM for ensiled cassava peels to 4.64kcal/gDM for gliricidia. Gliricidia was however observed to be richer in crude protein and minerals compared to ensiled cassava peels and dried cassava peels. Dry matter intakes, dry matter digestibility and growth rates showed significant (P<0.05) differences with the tilt being in favor of the animals fed on the sole glricidia diet. The energy digestibility of 79.83% for the animals fed on ensiled cassava peels and gliricidia diet was not significanyly (P>0.05) different from the corresponding value of 82.67% observable for animals fed on the sole gliricidia diet. Both values  were however significantly higher (P<0.05) than the values of 74.17% obtained for animals on the dried cassava peel plus gliricidia diet. Feed conversion values showed no significant (P>0.05) differences for the three groups ranging from 8.8. (ENP/GLI) to 10.80 (DP/GLI). Cassava peels supplemented with gliricidia can be used in practical production diets for West African Dwarf sheep with better prospects of utilization through ensiling of the peels.