Is it economical to supplement rams-fed Digitaria smutsii hay with a concentrate mixture at varying levels?

Abstract

The study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of breed on the economics of feeding D. smutsii hay supplemented with varying levels of concentrate to different sheep breeds. Balami, Uda and Yankasa rams. Ten adult rams aged between 24 and 36 months each of Balami, Uda and Yankasa sheep and averagely weighing 34.20, 35.35 and 31.80 kg, respectively procured from local markets were used. The rams were fed the concentrate at 1 or 2 % of their body weight and the hay fed ad libitum for 90 days. The differences between the daily feed offered and the remainder were recorded and used to calculate the feed intake. The gain in weight was obtained from the difference between the initial and final weights. Cost of feed consumed and income over expenses were determined. Cost of feed consumed and cost incurred showed that it was cheaper to raise Yankasa than Balami and Uda. Selling price was significantly (P<0.05) higher for Uda and Balami than Yankasa. The highest (P<0.05) income over expenses realised was in Balami (₦10,549.72 followed by Uda with ₦6,98154) while the least was in Yankasa (₦4,875.77). Feeding concentrate to rams at 2 % of body weight showed positive indices and satisfactory rates of return indicating that the activity covered its feeding costs. Hence, farmers are recommended to supplement their rams with concentrate mixture containing about 14% CP and 10.52 MJ/Kg DM ME at 2% of body weight in addition to D. smutsii hay as basal diet for greater economic returns.