Utilization of Mangifera indica kernels in the concentrate mixture of growing lambs.
Anigbogu N. M.
Author Affiliation: Department of Animal Nutrition and Feedmilling Technology, Micheal Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, P.M.B. 7267, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria.
Indian Journal of Animal Nutrition 20 : 395-399
Abstract : Twenty yearling F2 crossbred lambs of West African long legged (WALL) × South East dwarf (SED) of Nigeria were grouped according to their liveweight (20.9±1.7 kg), and offered one of the 5 concentrate rations as a supplement to the low quality, dry season forage, of mixed grass/legume hay (mainly 3 part Pennisetum purperum and 1 part Centrosema pubescens) for a growth period of 56 days. After which, 5 of the lambs were relocated to the metabolism cages for digestibility and nitrogen balance trials. The Mangifera indica kernels were substituted for maize offal in diet A, B, C, D and E by 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60%, respectively. The concentrate intakes and growth rates were 951, 961, 1017, 1225 and 1001 g/day; and 116, 125, 146, 162 and 116 g/day, respectively, with higher utilization of protein, fibre, ether extract and NFE in supplemented groups.