STUDY OF NUTRITIONAL COMPOSITION AND IN-VITRO DIGESTIBILITY OF MAJOR FEED RESOURCES OF CATTLE FOUND IN HADIYA ZONE, SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA
SELAMU ABRIHAM *
Department of Animal Science, Wachemo University, Hosanna, Ethiopia.
FELEKE TADESSE
Department of Animal Science, Wachemo University, Hosanna, Ethiopia.
TSEGAYE BEKELE
Department of Animal Science, Wachemo University, Hosanna, Ethiopia.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The purpose of this research was to study the major feeds of cattle and their nutritional quality in selected districts of Hadiya Zone, Southern Ethiopia. The Zone was divided into three agro-ecological zones: highland, midland, and lowland. A cross-sectional survey and field observation was used to collect important data. For laboratory analysis, feed samples were collected using quadrants. The samples were investigated for dry matter, ash, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, acid detergent lignin, and in-vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD). Qualitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a general linear model was used to evaluate the nutritional quality of the feeds. The result showed that natural pasture, crop residues, and aftermath were the major cattle feeds in the study areas. Crude protein and IVDMD were significantly higher (P<0.05) for natural pasture than other feeds. The mean crude protein content of sampled feeds was 4.05%, which was far less than the critical level (7%) required for the function of rumen microbes. This indicates that nutritional quality of the feeds cannot satisfy even the maintenance needs of the animal. Therefore, treatment of available feeds, adoption of improved forages, and supplementation of concentrates is mandatory, especially during dry seasons.
Keywords: Cattle, digestibility, major feeds, nutritional value, supplementation