Effect of supplementing graded level of poultry litter and wheat bran on performance of Abergelle bucks

Abstract

The objectives of the study were to evaluate the appropriate level of poultry litter and wheat bran ration supplementation on feed intake, body weight gain and cost benefit analysis of Abergelle bucks fed on a grass hay basal diet. A ration of 74% poultry litter, 25% wheat bran and 1% salt was thoroughly mixed and fed for 90 days. Four treatments were applied, namely grass hay as a control (T1), grass hay + 150 g/d-1ration (T2), grass hay + 300 g/d-1 ration (T3)  and grass hay + 450 g/d-1 ration (T4). DMI of grass hay 453.27, 487.05, 524.48 and 480.70 g d-1 for T1, T2, T3 and T4, respectively, and DMI was not affected (p>0.05) by the supplemental ration. However, supplemental bucks total DMI was higher by 6%, 12% and 16% for T2, T3 and T4, respectively from T1. Bucks in T1  gained 12.22 g/day while rams placed under T2, T3 and T4 gained 15%, 20% and 27% higher than T1, respectively. Thus, supplementation of 300 g/day ration of poultry litter and wheat bran is biologically more efficient and 150 economically more profitable and thus T2 and T3 are recommended for Abergelle buck fattening based on the target of the producer.