ABSTRACT

The study was to determine the potentials of diastic microbes degraded sawdust (DMDS) for feeding Cane rats (Thryonomys swinderianus). The experimental design was a completely randomized design (CRD). A total of 20 Cane rats were quarantined for 21 days during which they are fed formulated feed. There were 5 Treatment group T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5 which were replicated 4 times. Five experimental diets were formulated where T1 = 20% Cassava meal and 0% DMDS, T2= 15% Cassava meal and 5% DMDS, T3= 10% Cassava meal and 10% DMDS, T4= 5% Cassava meal and 15% DMDS, T5== 0% Cassava meal and 20% of DMDS. Parameters measured were final weight gain and wholesale cuts of cane rats. The chemical analysis of DMDS and un-degraded sawdust were studied. The dry matter, organic matter and energy values studied showed no significant (p>0.05). The nitrogen free extract was observed non significant (p>0.05). While the crude protein, oil, crude fiber, ash, calcium and phosphorus were generally significant (p<0.01, p<0.05), respectively better among the DMDS over the undegraded sawdust. The lower values observed on the oils and crude fiber were all in favor of the DMDS; since the less the value of oil and crude fiber in the feed, the better such feed. The results noted here was as of the action of diastic microbes degraded sawdust. There was significant (p<0.05) on carcass characteristics, live and slaughter weights of the Cane rats fed DMDS as part of the formulated diets over the undegraded sawdust fed diets. The Treatment 2 and 5 showed the best results over others treatments in regard to the carcass yield. On the proportion of whole cuts, the back-near neck, hind legs, pelvic region and bones were high in the Treatment 2 over the other treatments; where back-over-thoracic cavity, lean meat and daily lean gain were observed to be better on the Treatments 2 and 5. While fat was better in the Treatment 4, 3 and 5 better than other treatments. The bone: lean meat ratio was generally high among the Cane rats fed the DMDS diets. The Treatments 2, 4, and 5 are generally better on full gut, liver, kidney, lungs, heart, loin and head over other treatments. Based on this study, the DMDS can be incorporated in the Cane rat diets up to 20% with good result.