ABSTRACT
A study
was conducted to investigate the utilization of creep diets by West African
Dwarflambs maintained in a humid tropical environment. Influence of creep diets
on growth performance, blood profile, nutrient digestibility, weaning weight and
pre-weaning mortality of lambs were examined. Nine lambs at 6 weeks of age were
assigned into three equal groups in a completely randomized design and each
subsequently subjected to one of three nutritional regimens from 6 to 16 weeks
post-partum (point of weaning). Lambs in group 1 (control) suckled their dams
only (diet A). Groups 2 and 3 lambs, were in addition to suckling, given
supplementary rations formulated to contain 10.0% Soya bean and groundnut cakes
(diets B and C) in concentrate mix, respectively. Animals in supplemented
groups were offered concentrate diets at 3% of their body weights throughout
the trial. There was no significant effect (P>0.05) of treatment on feed
intake. The weight gain of lambs fed diet 2 (45.36g/d) was significantly higher
(P<0.05) than those fed diet 3 (36.29g/d) and least for those fed diet 1
(15.76g/d). Feed conversion ratio (FCR) differed significantly (P<0.05)
among treatment groups. FCR values of 6.65 and 8.26 were obtained from group 2
and 3 respectively. Weight at weaning was significantly higher (P<0.05) for
T2 (10.27kg) followed by 8.87kg and 5.93kg obtained in T3 and T], respectively.
Zero mortality was recorded in all the groups. Except for MCH, PCV and MCHC,
there were no significant differences (P>0.05) in values of other
haematological parameters measured. AST and creatinine values were however
similar (P>0.05), but significant differences (P<0.05) existed in values
of other blood biochemical indices measured. Digestibility coefficients
differed (P<0.05) with treatment diets; nutrients were digested better
(P<0.05) in the supplemented (creep fed) groups (2 and 3) compared to
control (group 1). Creep supplemented groups generally recorded more weight
gain, better blood profile and nutrient digestibility. The present study
underscores the relevance of creep feeding to nursing lambs. This practice
would ensure production of well nourished lambs with capacity to meet the basic
requirements for growth as well as realization of heavier lambs with better
vigour and survival rate. Lambs will be able to achieve good weaning weight at
the shortest possible time and hence target market weight could be achieved
with better profit. This would also reduce lambs mortality and subsequently
enhance more supply of animal protein to the Nigeria populace.
CHIJIOKE, A (2023). Utilization Of Creep Diets By West African Dwarf Lambs: Influence On Performance, Blood Profile, Nutrient Digestibility And Pre-Weaning Mortality:- Ebuzor, Chijioke A.. Repository.mouau.edu.ng: Retrieved Oct 30, 2024, from https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/utilization-of-creep-diets-by-west-african-dwarf-lambs-influence-on-performance-blood-profile-nutrient-digestibility-and-pre-weaning-mortality-ebuzor-chijioke-a-7-2
AKUJOBI, CHIJIOKE. "Utilization Of Creep Diets By West African Dwarf Lambs: Influence On Performance, Blood Profile, Nutrient Digestibility And Pre-Weaning Mortality:- Ebuzor, Chijioke A." Repository.mouau.edu.ng. Repository.mouau.edu.ng, 22 Nov. 2023, https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/utilization-of-creep-diets-by-west-african-dwarf-lambs-influence-on-performance-blood-profile-nutrient-digestibility-and-pre-weaning-mortality-ebuzor-chijioke-a-7-2. Accessed 30 Oct. 2024.
AKUJOBI, CHIJIOKE. "Utilization Of Creep Diets By West African Dwarf Lambs: Influence On Performance, Blood Profile, Nutrient Digestibility And Pre-Weaning Mortality:- Ebuzor, Chijioke A.". Repository.mouau.edu.ng, Repository.mouau.edu.ng, 22 Nov. 2023. Web. 30 Oct. 2024. < https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/utilization-of-creep-diets-by-west-african-dwarf-lambs-influence-on-performance-blood-profile-nutrient-digestibility-and-pre-weaning-mortality-ebuzor-chijioke-a-7-2 >.
AKUJOBI, CHIJIOKE. "Utilization Of Creep Diets By West African Dwarf Lambs: Influence On Performance, Blood Profile, Nutrient Digestibility And Pre-Weaning Mortality:- Ebuzor, Chijioke A." Repository.mouau.edu.ng (2023). Accessed 30 Oct. 2024. https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/utilization-of-creep-diets-by-west-african-dwarf-lambs-influence-on-performance-blood-profile-nutrient-digestibility-and-pre-weaning-mortality-ebuzor-chijioke-a-7-2