The Influence of Some Selected Browse Tree Leaves on Growth Performance and Feed Utilization in Balami Rams

Abstract

A feeding trial study was conducted at Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi Ruminant Teaching and Research farm to evaluate the effects of supplementing the diets of Balami rams with leaves from five different browse trees on growth performance and feed utilization. Twenty Balami rams were randomly assigned to five treatment groups in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The treatments were: T1 (Khaya senegalensis), T2 (Anogeissus leiocarpus), T3 (Adansonia digitata), T4 (Ficus sycomorus), and T5 (Tamarindus indica). The rams were fed a basal diet supplemented with the respective browse leaves. Results showed significant differences (P<0.05) in performance. Rams in T1 had the highest Total Daily Feed Intake (TDFI: 902.18 g) and Total Weight Gain (3.45 kg), while those in T5 recorded the best Feed Conversion Ratio (8.55). The findings indicate that while Khaya senegalensis promoted the highest weight gain, Tamarindus indica was the most efficient in converting feed to body mass. It is concluded that these browse species are viable supplementary feeds, with Tamarindus indica leaves being the most efficient for Balami rams under intensive management.