Utilization of Scelocarya birrea kernel meal (SBKM) as protein supplement in the diets of fattening Uda sheep

An experiment was conducted at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching and Research Farm Sokoto, Nigeria to determine the utilization of Scelocarya birrea kernel meal (SBKM) as protein supplement in the diet of Uda sheep. Sixteen intact male animals were used for the experiment. The animals were divided into four (4) treatment groups replicated five times. The animals were fed diets containing 0, 5, 10 and 15% Scelocarya birrea kernel meal (SBKM). Data generated from the study were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA). Where significant difference exists, least significant different (LSD) was used to separate the means. Results indicated that total feed intake increased with increased level of SBKM up to 5% inclusion level; thereafter, it declined (P<0.05). Average daily gain (ADG) decreased from 99.90g/day for treatment 2 (5% SBKM) to 59.5g/day for treatment 4 (15% SBKM) (P< 0.05). Digestibility of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), crude fibre (CF), Nitrogen free extract (NFE) and ether extract (EE) were higher for treatment 2 (5% SBKM) (P< 0.05). Cost of fed per kg live weight gain (N 553.33/kg was lower (P<0.05) for treatment 2 (5% SBKM) compared to other treatments. It was concluded that inclusion of SBKM in the diet of Uda sheep should not exceed 5%.