Performance and cost of production of fattening Uda sheep fed diets containing different energy levels in a semi-arid environment

An experiment was conducted to determine optimum energy level for fattening Uda sheep in a semi arid environment. Twenty entire male animals with an average weight of 29kg were used in a completely randomized experimental design (CRD). The animals were fed diets containing 2200, 2400, 2600 and 2800 kcals metabolizable energy (ME) / kg of diet. The findings of the study revealed that dry matter (DM) intake and live weight gain (LWG) increased with increasing energy level (P<0.05). Beyond 200 kcals ME / kg, DM intake and LWG tended to decrease (P>0.05). Fattening animals fed diets containing 2600 and 2800 kcal ME / kg were the same (P>0.05) in terms of LWG. Cost of feed / kg LWG was lower for the animals fed diet containing 2600 kcals ME / kg. It was concluded that the optimum energy level found suitable for fattening Uda sheep in semi-arid zone was 2600 kcal ME /kg. The energy value observed from the study could be used by livestock keepers who intend to grow or fatten animals. Studies should be carried out to evaluate the energy requirement of other sheep breeds; so also mineral and vitamin requirements for growth and fattening.