Effect of Different Sourcesof Roughage Typeon Feedlot Performance and Carcass Characteristicsof Baggara Bulls

Abstract

Thirty six Western Sudan Baggara bulls were purchased at average live weight (192.92±8.90kg) and 2 years age are used in a feeding trial to 70 days. At the start of the experiment the bulls were randomly divided into three types of roughages groups of twelve animals, each group was subdivided into four animals group. These bulls were fed varying source of roughage group A fed groundnut hay, group B fed sorghum straw and group C sugarcane Baggasse with a concentrate molasses based diet to examine the effect source of roughage on feedlot performance and carcass characteristics. The molasses concentrate diet composed of 52% molasses 39% wheat bran, 5% groundnut cakes, 3% urea and 1% common salt. The study showed variable results between types of roughage groups due to the difference in diet composition. Feed intake was significantly (P<0.01) increased with bull fed sorghum straw score higher than those fed groundnut hay or Baggasse diet. Live weight gain (0.95±0.21kg/day, 1.06±0.20kg/day, and 1.10±.29kg/day) for group A groundnut hay, B sorghum straw and C sugarcane baggasse respectively. Group B (fed sorghum straw) showed the highest finial live weight followed by group C and A but these difference were not significant. Feed conversion ratio was not significant but the group fed sugarcane Baggasse showed more improved feed efficiency than those fed groundnut hay or sorghum straw. Feed conversion ratio was in significant but the group fed sugarcane baggasse showed more improved feed efficiency than those fed groundnut hay or sorghum straw. For feed intake bulls fed sorghum straw showed a higher significant feed intake (P>0.01) while animal fed groundnut hay and baggasse showed similar feed intake. There were no significant differences in total gain and hence daily weight gain between the three groups but bull fed sorghum straw showed higher daily gain followed by the group fed baggasse and groundnut hay respectively. Carcass measurement was not affected by type of roughages except carcass length which was significantly (P<0.05) higher in group A groundnut hay, B sorghum straw and lower in group C sugarcane baggasse. Non carcass component were not affected by type of roughages but found significant in gut fill it was higher in group C (Baggasse) followed by B (Sorghum straw) and A (Groundnut hay) in that order. Carcass yield and characteristics and sirloin cuts composition was not affected by type of roughages. Meat chemical composition was not affected by type of roughages except ash which was significantly different (P<0.01). It was higher group C (Baggasse) and similar in group A (Groundnut hay) and B (Sorghum straw). Meat quality attributes colour found significant different between groups in yellowness which was significantly (P<0.01) lower in group C (Baggasse) than in the groups A groundnut hay, B sorghum straw.