Performance and Meat Quality of West African Dwarf (WAD) Sheep Fed with Improved Dried Elephant Grass Supplemented with Legume Straw Under Different Rearing Systems

Abstract

8 weeks growth and meat quality of WAD sheep study were carried out to compare the digestibility of improved dried elephant grass (EG) (Pennisetum purpureum) supplemented with legume straw (LS) (Lablab purpureus) reared under indoor feeding system (IFS) and free grazing (FG). Twenty-four male west African dwarf (WAD) winner sheep with initial average body weight of 16 ± 0.5kg were assigned to four dietary treatments in a completely randomized design arrangement. Treatments consisted of T1 (sheep on EG and LS free grazing), indoor feeding system IFS; T2 (EG 80%, LS 20%), T3 (EG 70%, LS 30%) and T4 (EG 60%, LS 40%). The results showed that the final body weight of sheep on indoor feeding system T4 differed significantly (P < 0.05) from that of sheep on free grazing, T2 and T3. Physico-chemical properties were better in sheep meat on IFS (EG 60%, LS 40%) compared with other system including FG, control treatment. The sensory perception and fatty acid profiles of sheep meat on IFS were better compared with the sheep meat on FG system. These results showed that rearing of WAD sheep on indoor feeding system were better in terms of growth performance and its meat quality and could serve as an alternative to free grazing especially in region where there are incessant clashes between herders and crop farmers.