Effect of Graded Levels and Different Forms of Gliricidia sepium Leaves Supplement on Nutrient Intake, Digestibility and Nitrogen Retention of West African Dwarf Sheep

Abstract

Nutrition remains the bedrock of ruminant production, however, scarcity and poor quality of available forage characterized the tropics especially in dry season. Use of browse plants and agricultural by products will perhaps ameliorate the challenges. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of graded levels and different forms of G. sepium leaves on nutrient intake, digestibility and nitrogen retention of West African Dwarf (WAD) sheep for 10 weeks. Thirty six (36) WAD sheep were randomly allocated to three graded levels (0%, 10% and 20% G. sepium) and three forms (Fresh, Wilted and Air-dried) laid in 3 x 3 factorial arrangement using completely randomized design. Dried cassava peel was included appropriately to graded levels of G. sepium to make 100% diet composition. Data collected were daily weight gain (DWG), crude protein intake (CPI), dry matter digestibility (DMD) and nitrogen retained (NR). Sheep on 20% G. sepium had higher DWG (123.81g/d) while animals on 10 and 20% G. sepium recorded similar values for CPI (38.32 and 41.87g/d), DMD (67.06 and 66.31%) and NR (24.94 and 25.75g/d), respectively. Sheep fed on fresh and on wilted forms of G. sepium had similar higher values (120.64 and 132.65g/d; 67.83 and 68.67%) for DWG and DMD, respectively. Animals on wilted and on air-dried forms recorded similar (P>0.05) CPI (38.78 and 39.89g/g) while no significance (P>0.05) was observed for NR. Interaction of graded levels and forms of G. sepium had significant effects (P<0.05) on DWG, CPI, DMD and NR. Therefore, feeding 20% G. sepium in wilted form and 80% dried cassava peel to West African dwarf sheep is recommended for better performance