The feeding value of Mangifera indica and its effects on crude protein metabolism and energy partitioning when fed to Djallonke sheep.

Publication Type

Journal contribution

Authors

Osakwe, I.I., H. Steingaß, W. Drochner

Year of publication

2003

Published in

Trop. J. Animal Sci.

Band/Volume

6/1

Page (from - to)

47-52

Keywords

chemical composition, energy partitioning, Mangifera indica, nitrogen balance, sheep

Nine castrated West African Dwarf (WAD) sheep (Djallonke, 28.8 ±4.2kg BW), of about 24 months old were used to evaluate the feeding value of Mangifera indica (MI) leaves in a nitrogen and energy balance trial. Dried leaves of Mangifera indica were offered at two levels (25% and 50% of DMI) as supplement to a basal hay diet (Agrostis stolonifers grass species). Animals on diet with 50% MI showed a significantly (P<0.05) lower CP digestibility and negative N-balance than those on control and 25% MI diets. Sheep on 50% MI also showed a significantly (P<0.05) lower methane, metabolisability 'q' and digestible energy than the control and 25% MI diets. The results showed that dried leaves of Mangifera indica could be fed as supplement to Agrostis stolonifers grass hay at about 25% level of inclusion.