Levels of antinutrients and feeding value of Ficus polita with ensiled corncob-layer litterdiet fed to Yankasa rams in a total mixed ration

Abstract

The study was conducted to evaluate the levels of antinutrients and feeding value of Ficus polita with ensiled corncob-layer litter diet fed to Yankasa rams in a Total Mixed Ration. Sixteen rams weighing averagely 21kg were randomly assigned to four diets containing 0%, 15%, 30%, and 45% inclusion level of Ficus polita leaf meal. The rams were fed at 4% of their body weight and daily feeding was done twice at 8:00am and 4:00pm. Total feed intake, weight gain, average daily weight gain, and faecal outputs were recorded. Data obtained were subjected to analysis of SAS and means were compared using Fisher's least significant difference. The antinutritional profiles of the experimental diet and FPLM were analysed using standard spectrophotometric procedures and the result showed the levels were all within accepted limits. Ensiling the corncob with layer litter significantly (P<0.05) increased the dry matter and crude protein contents and significantly (P<0.05) reduced the crude fibre, neutral detergent fibre and Acid detergent fibre contents of the ensiled corncob. Results obtained showed that rams fed the experimental diet with 15% inclusion level of FPLM recorded a significantly (P<0.05) higher total body weight gain (6.01 kg), ADWG (66.72 g/day), and the best feed conversion ratio (13.84). It was concluded that inclusion of FPLM up to 15% in the diet of rams improved the growth performance of the Yankasa rams and can therefore be used by farmers as a good source of feed supplement during the dry season to maintain live weights of Yankasa rams.