Growth performance and hematology of Djallonké rams fed haulms of four varieties of groundnut ( Arachis hypogaea L.)

Abstract

The study was conducted to assess the chemical composition of the haulms of 4 dual-purpose groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) varieties and their effects on the growth and hematology of Djallonké rams. The groundnut varieties were ICGV 97049 (Obolo), ICGX SM 87057 (Yenyawoso), RMP 12 (Azivivi) and Manipinta. Rams (live weight 15.0 ± 3.0 kg) were randomly assigned to 4 sole groundnut haulm meal (GHM) treatments, with 4 rams each in an individual pen per treatment (total n = 16 rams). Samples of the groundnut haulms were milled and analyzed for crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF). The CP concentration was higher (P < 0.05) in Azivivi, Manipinta and Yenyawoso than in Obolo. The highest (P < 0.05) NDF and ADF fractions were obtained in Obolo. Whilst no significant difference was reported in total and daily dry matter (DM) intake among the varieties, CP, NDF and ADF intake all differed between Obolo and other varieties. The apparent nutrient digestibility did not differ (P > 0.05) when the Djallonké rams were fed the haulms. However, significant differences were observed in final live weight and average daily live weight gain. Rams fed the Yenyawoso variety had higher (P < 0.05) final live weight and average daily live weight gain compared with those fed Obolo and Azivivi varieties. Consumption of any of the 4 varieties of groundnut haulms by Djallonké rams did not have any harmful effect on their red and white blood cell numbers and hemoglobin concentration. The study revealed that the different varieties of groundnut haulms differ in nutrient composition and also affect the growth performance of the rams. The Yenyawoso variety may be used as a sole diet for fattening Djallonké rams.

Voluntary intake and in vivo digestibility of four groundnut haulms varieties measured on Djallonké sheep in Benin

“…Etela and Dung (2011) have shown that all nutrients digestibility is affected by the variety of the groundnut haulms used. This finding is contrary to that of Ansah et al (2017). According to these authors, the variety had no effect on the digestibility of the groundnut haulms nutrients they tested.…”

“…(2017) and Ansah et al (2017). By contrast, in the studies of Etela and Dung (2011) and Ahounou et al (2017b), the variety did not have any effect on the TCP content.…”

Growth Performance and Serum Biochemical Profile in Yankasa Rams Fed Alkali-Treated Groundnut Shells

“…Likewise, the emanation of enteric methane was found to be affected by diet quality; increased lignin produces higher emission and vice versa (O'Hara et al, 2003). The growth of ruminants is influeneced positively when more gross energy is conserved as a result of lower methane emission (Ansah et al, 2017). In the present study, methane was not quantified, but may be a contributor to differences in utilization of nutrients.…”

“…The higher weight gain recorded in this study may be an indication of better nutrient utilization from the groundnut shells. This suggest that in order to achieve greater live weight gains in growing rams, the level of supplementation made to the group of animals receiving UTGNS and LGNS diets is adequate (Ansah et al, 2017;Khan et al, 2017). It may also be as a result that the rams fed UTGNS and LGNS had a better nutrient absorption and utilization which resulted in a significantly higher weight gain and daily weight gain as compared to those fed UGNS or ULGNS (McDonald et al, 2010).…”

“…In the present study, methane was not quantified, but may be a contributor to differences in utilization of nutrients. More so, lower concentration of non-photosynthetic tissues and lower lignin concentration may also account for improved growth performance in ruminants (Wilson and Kennedy, 1996;Ansah et al, 2017). Table 6 revealed the results of the serum biochemical parameters in Yankasa rams fed experimental diets.…”