DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL SCIENCE

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    Growth performance and blood profile of gestating wad ewes fed dietary supplementation of ammonium sulphate
    (The Nigerian Society for Animal Production, 2016) Ososanya, T. O.; Inyang, U. A.; Shehu, S. A.
    The concern raised as a result of antibiotic usage in the livestock industry has necessitated the need for alternative feed additives such as ammonium sulphate. Hence, sixteen West African Dwarf (WAD) ewes averaging 24 kg in weight and aged eighteen months were used to determine the growth performance and blood chemistry of ammonium sulphate supplemented diets. The animals were divided into four groups of experimented diets consisting: D1 (0 %) (Control diet), D2 (0.25 %), D3 (0.50 %) and D4 (0.75 %) of ammonium sulphate (AMS) inclusion levels and were randomly allotted in a completely randomized design. They were also synchronized with prostaglandin F(2α) and naturally mated with four (4) rams of proven fertility when they came on heat. Parameters determined were feed intake, dry matter intake (DMT), gestating weights and gains, and blood haematology and serum biochemistry such as white blood cells (WBC), red blood cell (RBC), packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (HGB), albumin (A), globulin (G), total protein (TP), cholesterol (CHOP), blood urea nitrogen, creatinine (C), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). The results showed that supplementing AMS in ewe diets generally enhanced (p < 0.05) final weight (Kg), gestational weight gain (Kg) and average daily weight gain (g). The values ranged from 32.00-45.25 Kg; 8.25 - 22.25 Kg; 207.79 - 267.86 g/d respectively. The feed conversion ratio improved with increasing levels of AMS with animats on D4 recording the least (0.20). Animals on Dl recorded the highest values for PCV, HGB, and RBC while those on D3 had the least. The values were 44.25 and 41.00 %; 14.68 and 13.40 g/dl; and 13.02 and 11.86 x 10(6)/mm(3) respectively. Animals on D4 recorded the highest values for WBC (5150.50 x 10(6)/mm(3) ). Serum biochemical responses of pregnant sheep indicated significant differences (p < 0.05) of AMS supplementation on TP, A/G ratio, ALP and creatinine values. Animals on Dl recorded the highest values for TP, A/G ratio; ALT, BUN and C white those on D2 were least except jar ALT where D3 was least in ALT. The values were 8.68 and 8.15 g/dl; 0.80 and 0.65; 289 and 235.50 I.U./L; 10.75 and 9.75 mg/dl; 1.48 and 1.08 mg/dl respectively. Animals on D2 recorded the highest values for G, ALP and CHOL (4.80 mg/dl; 25.25 1. U/L; and 63.00 mg/dl respectively). Inclusion of AMS improved conversion ratio thereby improving the performance of ewes and thus proved that it could be tolerated up to 0.75 % supplementation in diets for ewes.
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    Evaluation of dietary supplementation of ammonium sulphate on in vitro gas production and rumen fermentation characteristics of WAD ewes
    (Science Domain, 2016-06) Ososanya, T. O.; Shehu, S. A.; Inyang, U. A.
    Ammonium sulphate, a chemical compound was utilized to evaluate its potential through in vitro gas production technique and rumen fermentation characteristics as a rumen stimulator and mitigates methane gas. Four experimental diets were formulated with ammonium sulphate (AS) included at varying levels: T1 (control/0% AS), T2 (control diet + 0.25% AS), T3 (control diet + 0.50% AS) and T4 (control diet + 0.75% AS). Rumen fluid was collected from the ewes, sixteen in number and weighing 24 kg averagely, using suction tube method to evaluate in vitro gas production, determine microbial population and rumen fermentation characteristics. Gas production was determined over a 96 hour period. Other data collected included organic matter digestibility (OMD%), short Chain Fatty Acids (SCFA μml), Metabolisable Energy (ME MJ/KJ DM), Degradability (D%), Volatile Fatty Acids (VFA), rumen pH, temperature and ammonia nitrogen (AN). Results showed no significant differences (p>0.05) for in vitro gas production profiles (i.e. total gas, OMD, ME, SCFA). However, as inclusion increased it stimulated the parameters measured to be numerically higher than control. Methane gas was highest for control diet (4 ml/200 mg DM) while T2 recorded the least (2 ml/200 mg DM). Degradability increased as the inclusion level of AS increased. Control diet was the lowest (32%) while T4 had the highest (45%). The rumen fermentation characteristics showed significant (p<0.05) differences for all the parameters measured except rumen temperature. Animals on T4 diet recorded the highest (p<0.05) pH value (6.85) while those on T2 diet had the least (6.53). Animals on Control diet recorded the highest values (p<0.05) for AN and acetic acid (100.40 mg/l and 8.98 mol/100L) while the least values were observed in animals on T2 diet (AN) and those on T4 (acetic acid). Increase inclusion of AS caused a decrease in acetic acid. Rumen bacteria was highest (p<0.05) in animals on T4 (1.40 x 10(6)cfu/mm(3)) and lowest in those on T3 (0.65 x 10(6)cfu/mm(3)). For fungi and protozoa, animals on T4 and T2 diets were higher (p<0.05) respectively than those on Control diet (1.15 and 1.09 x 10(6)cfu/mm(3) compared to 1.10 and 0.85 x 10(6)cfu/mm(3) respectively). Supplementation of AS has been validated by this study, with a 0.75% inclusion level resulting in lowest methane gas, and higher ME, SCFA, pH, bacteria and fungi and may be recommended for ruminant feeding.