Live Performance and Rumen Microbial Composition of Yankasa Rams with Supplemented Levels of Zingiber officinale
N. Muhammad *
Department of Animal Science, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, Nigeria
U. M. Ibrahim
Small Ruminant Research Programme, National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI), Zaria, Nigeria
S. A. Maigandi
Department of Animal Science, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, Nigeria
I. A. Abubakar
Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aim: The experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of graded levels of Zingiber officinale on performance and rumen microbial composition of Yankasa rams.
Methodology: A complete experimental diet was formulated while ginger was supplemented at 0, 2.5, 5 and 7.5 g/kg inclusion levels to serve as treatments. The four treatment diets were fed to twenty (20) intact male animals with an average live weight of 34.2±1.07 kg. A completely randomized experimental design (CRD) was used in the experiment with four treatments replicated five times. Each animal serves as replicate and graded levels of ginger representing treatments.
Results: Results indicated significant difference (P<0.05) in animal’s final weight, live weight gain and average daily gain. Ginger supplementation beyond 2.5 g/kg resulted in decreased bacterial specie composition in the rumen. Bacillus sp was found to be persistent even at the highest level of supplementation.
Conclusion: It was concluded that for efficient animal performance, ginger supplementation should not exceed 2.5 g/kg.
Keywords: Performance, rumen microbes, Yankasa Rams, Zingiber officinale, supplementation