Shea nut meal effect on rumen fermentation parameters of sheep

Abstract

Although ruminants have a greater capacity to utilize various feed sources with lesser risks, the impact of non-conventional feed on rumen function should be understood. This study investigated the effects of Shea nut meal (SNM) different inclusion levels on rumen parameters of sheep fed 70% Rhodes grass hay and 30% maize bran basal diets. Five diets (D) containing SNM at different levels of D1=0% SNM, D2=5% SNM, D3=10% SNM, D4=15% SNM and D5=20% SNM were fed to fifteen ewes clustered into three, in a completely randomized design (CRD). Rumen samples were collected in the 10th week of the feeding trial at hour 0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 post feeding and analyzed for pH, NH3-N, volatile fatty acids & protozoa count. SNM increased mean pH, and was in a range of (6.58-6.8) in SNM diets compared D1 (6.2). Mean NH3-N (mg/100ml) in SNM groups decreased with SNM increasing inclusion. Propionate (mmol/L) production was favored for SNM diets; 5% (1.379), 10% (1.375), 15% (1.377), 20% (1.365) compared to D1 (1.682) but total volatile fatty acids (mmol/L) (p