An Investigation on the Chemo-genetics Characteristics of Roselle Seed (Hibiscus sabdariffa) as an alternative source of protein influencing fattening performance of Sudanese desert Sheep

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 –