The replacement value of sugarcane molasses for maize in sheep-fattening rations

✍ Scribed by Nnanyelum N. Umunna; Bala A. Maisamari

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 1981
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 293 KB
• Volume: 32
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0022-5142
• DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.2740320511

✦ Synopsis

Abstract

Twenty‐eight Yankasa rams, about 1.5 years old and each weighing on average 27.9 kg, were individually fed one of four experimental diets, formulated to differ in the level of cane molasses which replaced maize in the diet: 0 (control), 10 (low), 20 (medium) and 30% (high). The diet comprised on a dry matter (DM) basis, 30% native hay (Andropogon and Hyparrhenia spp. predominating) and 70% concentrate and provided a dietary crude protein level of approximately 12.5%. The results (average daily gain, feed intake and feed conversion efficiency) showed that molasses replaced 30% maize (DM basis) in fattening rations without detrimental effects. Carcass data showed that rams which received the low and medium molasses diets had better dressing percentage and wholesale cuts. Dry matter and protein digestibilities were not significantly affected by the treatments. The economic advantages in the use of molasses in fattening rations is attractive given the wide price differential (in Nigeria) between maize and molasses.