Abstract:
Roselle seed (Hibiscus sabdariffa) known in Sudan as Karkadeh is
important annual crop, which grows successfully in the tropics and sub-
tropics, mainly for producing of calyxes. The present study was
conducted at El Huda National Sheep Research Station to evaluate
Roselle seed (Hibiscus sabdariffa) as an alternative protein source used as
ruminants feed. Four levels of crushed roselle seeds were used (0%, 10%,
20% and 30%), which were incorporated in four Iso-caloric Iso-
nitrogenous diets (A, B, C and D respectively). Twenty- four male
Sudanese desert lambs, ecotype A Shugar, were selected according to
their ages (5 – 6 month) and average live body weight (21.77 kg). The
lambs were assigned to four treatments (6 animals each). The animals in
each treatment were subdivided in two groups, of three animals. The
animals were fed on the experimental rations for (42) days and (10) days
for adaptation period, (2kg / head / day). The daily weight gain was 200,
200, 220 and 240 gm and dry matter intake were1.69 ,1.65 , 1.65 and 1.61
kg ⁄ week for treatments A, B, C and D respectively. No significant
differences at (P>0.05) among the different treatments were seen on feed
intake, feed conversion rations and final body weight gain respectively.
However economic evaluation study of four experimental rations showed
highly significant differences (P<0.05) in total benefit cost of ingredient
(303 - 296 - 274 and - 252) SDG per 1kg for diet A, B, C and D
respectively. Diet (C and D) recorded lowest ingredient total, benefit cost,
while diet (A and B) recorded highest ingredient total benefit cost.
From In Sacco experiment degradability result of the present study of
nylon bags technique through Cannula were used to determine dry matter
and crude protein disappearance % showed a highly significant difference
(P<0.05) among four plant protein sources (74.55 – 41.17), (76.87 –
