The potentials of Sorghum Rootlets as Replacement for Brewers Dried Grains in Production Diets for Yankasa Sheep

Abstract

Alokan, J.A., Aning, KG. and Akinsoyinu, A.O. 1996. The potential of sorghum rootlets as replacement for brewers dried grains in production diets for Yankasa sheep. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 10: 195–199.

The use of sorghum rootlets (SR), a by-product of brewing, as a feedstuff for Yankasa sheep was assessed. Fifteen Yankasa sheep (14–16 m, 12–15 kg) were fed isonitrogenous concentrate (17%CP) in which brewers dried grains (BDG) was progressively replaced (0%, 20% and 40%) by sorghum rootles. Cynodon nlemfuensis served as the basal diet. Results indicated that treatment effect on ad libitium dry matter (DM) intake was not appreciable (P>0.05) but all animals consumed 5% of body weight as DM. Treatment effect on coefficient of digestibilities of all the nutrients and weight gains were, however, significant (P<0.05). Data obtained on dry matter intake, weight changes, nutrient digestibility and N-balance suggested that SR would replace BDG in sheep diet up to 20% level without any adverse effect on performance and feed value.

Key words:

• Sorghum rootlets
• brewers dried grains
• Yankasa sheep
• performance
• digestibility