Performance of Yankasa Sheep Fed Complete Rations Containing Inclusion Levels of Ensiled Sugarcane Waste with Poultry Litter

A feeding trial was conducted to assess the effect of inclusion of ensiled sugarcane waste (ESCW) with poultry litter on performance of Yankasa rams in a completely randomized design (CRD) for twelve weeks (84 days). Sugarcane waste was mixed with poultry litter in 3:1 and ensiled for 21 days. The ESCW was used as partial replacement in complete diet. Sixteen Yankasa rams (mean body weigh 28.94 ± 5.77 kg and aged 12 to 18 months) were allotted to the four groups on the basis of body weights into control group without ESCW (CG) or control diets as treatment groups (TGs) partially replaced with ESCW at 15% (TG1), 30% (TG2) or 45% (TG3). Diets were offered ad libitum, along with clean drinking water and min-eral salt lick at will. The results showed no significant (P>0.05) differences in the treatment means of all the growth parameters evaluated, values recorded for TG3 (45%) were numerically higher in final live weight, weight gain and average daily gains (ADG). Significant (P<0.05) differences were recorded in dry matter and ash intakes while the dry matter, crude fibre and ash apparent digestibility differed significantly (P<0.05) among the CG and TGs. In conclusion, performances of Yankasa rams with 45% inclusion of ESCW were comparable to CG and its usage is therefore recommended as alternative choice during the lean periods based on the observed nutritional facts.