Growth Performance and Serum Biochemical Profile in Yankasa Rams Fed Alkali-Treated Groundnut Shells

Abstract

The study was conducted to assess the chemical composition of alkali treated groundnut shells and their effects on growth and serum biochemical parameters in Yankasa rams. A total of 4 Yankasa rams where used to conduct the experiment in a 4×4 Latin square design. Four diets (14% crude protein) were formulated to contain untreated groundnut shell (UTGNS), urea treated groundnut shell (UGNS), lime treated groundnut shell (LGNS) and urea-lime treated groundnut shell (ULGNS). Growth and blood serum parameters were measured at the end of each period. Samples of the treated groundnut shell and the experimental diets were analysed for proximate analysis, neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre and lignin. The results of the chemical composition of treated groundnut shell showed that alkali chemical increased the protein, energy, and reduced the cell wall constituents of the untreated groundnut shell. Significant (P<0.05) effect were observed for daily weight gain, daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio and serum biochemical profile. Daily feed intake and daily weight gain were higher in UTGNS (183.50 g and 1110.90 g respectively); UGNS had the least feed conversion ratio (5.98). Total protein and glucose levels were above normal range of serum biochemical values for sheep while blood urea and creatinine were within normal range of values. The study revealed that dietary inclusion of treated groundnut shell did not show any negative effect on the growth performance and kidney function but indicated some signs of ailment on the activities of the liver and pancreas.

The Growth Performance of Yankasa Rams Fed Gamba Grass (Andropogon Gayanus) and Various Levels of Ensiled Urea Treated Groundnut Shell Meal Supplementary Diet

“…It may also be as a result of a better nutrient absorption and utilization by the rams diet T5 (20%) which resulted in a higher total weight gain and daily weight gain as compared to those fed diet T2 (5%), T3 (10%) and T4 (15%%) (McDonald et al, 2011). The decreased feed intake and low weight gain observed in animals on T2, T3 and T4 in this study was similar to the findings of Millam (2020) when they fed Urea treated groundnut shell along with maize offal in a complete diet to Yankasa rams. The high feed intake in the animals receiving 20% UTGNSM diets (T5) in this study was in consonance with the findings of Abdel Hameed et al (2013) and Kade (2020) who reported that lambs fed treated GNS had increased feed intake.…”

Growth Performance and Serum Metabolites of Awassi Lambs Fed Wheat Straw Treated with Urea and Supplemented with Fibrolytic Enzymes

“…This may have an impact on production performance because of the low nutritional value of the roughage feeds, particularly wheat straw, which is the primary roughage feed material used in animal nutrition due to its high fiber and low protein content [1]. Numerous prior investigations have examined the application of alkali pre-treatments, including calcium hydroxide, ammonization, sodium hydroxide, and urea, to enhance the digestibility of roughages and improve the growth performance of small ruminants [2][3][4]. Exogenous enzymes, particularly fibrolytics, show promise for enhancing feed utilization and improving ruminant productivity [5].…”

“…chemical composition was according to the international methods of AOAC[12] 2 concentrate diet contained: 45% barley grain, 7% yellow corn, 35% wheat bran, 10% soybean meal, 1% limestone, 1% salt and 1%Premix 3. calculated NFE = OM-(CP+CF+EE)4 calculated ME (MJ/ kg DM) = 0.012CP +0.031EE+0.005CF +0.014NFE[13] …”