EVALUATION OF GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF YANKASA LAMBS FED SUGARCANE PEELS: AN AGRICULTURAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAMME FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the nutritional value of sugarcane peels. Randomized Complete Design (RCD) was used in this experiment. Ninety (90) days were used for feeding trial using (20) growing Yankasa lambs. Four different diets were formulated containing sugarcane peels to replace cowpea husk at 0, 15, 30, and 45 %. Inclusion of sugarcane peels in the diet of growing sheep up to 45% level did not adversely effect (P>0.05) performance. Such inclusion level led to decrease in the cost of feed/kg live–weight gain. However, animals on 15% sugarcane peels diet were better compared to other treatments in terms of weight gain but in terms of cost of production, animals on 45% sugarcane peels diet were the best for economic return. Therefore, it concluded that the use of sugarcane peels in the formulation of ruminant feeds would adversely reduce the cost of conventional feeds as well as urban solid waste, which is polluting our environment in terms of air (when sugarcane peels were burn) and blocking our water waste (Drainage). In view of this, it was recommended that, sugarcane peels could be included in the diet of growing  ?Yankasa  lambs  without  adverse  effect  on  performance. Therefore, entrepreneurs should use sugarcane peels as raw materials for the manufacture of Animals’ feeds in order to utilize its potentials.