ECONOMICS ANALYSIS OF FEEDING BRACHIARIA DECUMBENS OR DIGITARIA SMUTSII HAY TO BALAMI, UDA AND YANKASA RAMS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33003/jaat.2022.0801.100Keywords:
Forage, Sheep breeds, Expenses, Economic ReturnsAbstract
The study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of breed on the economics of feeding different forages to different breeds of sheep. Ten adult rams aged between 18 and 24 months for Balami, Uda and Yankasa and weighing 24.75, 25.50 and 25.50 kg, respectively procured from local markets were used for the experiment. The rams were fed either hay and fed B. decumbens or D. smutsii hay ad libitum and supplemented with the concentrate at 1 % of their body weight for 90 days. All animals had free access to fresh clean water every day. Differences between the daily feed offered and the remainder were recorded and used to calculate the feed intake. Weight changes were monitored fortnightly and the gain in weight obtained from the difference between the initial and final weights. Cost of feed consumed and income over expenses were determined. Results showed differences in performance of the rams. Total 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 (₦9,513.14 followed by Uda with ₦9,386.28) while the least was in Yankasa (₦8,277.99) fed D. smutsii hay. It is concluded that feeding D. smutsii hay to rams showed positive indices and satisfactory rates of return compared to B. decumbens, indicating that the activity covered its feeding costs. Farmers are recommended to feed D. smutsii hay as basal diet for greater economic returns.
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