FORMULATION AND PRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF YANKASA RAM PRODUCE MULTI MINERAL BLOCKS IN SEMI ARID REGION OF MAIDUGURI.

ABSTRACT This study was conducted to formulate, evaluate, and determine the effect of multi-mineral blocks produced from locally available ingredients on the productive performance of Yankasa rams in the semi-arid region of Maiduguri, Nigeria. Six multi-mineral block formulations (Fl to F6) were produced using varying levels of bone meal, eggshell, potash, wood ash, common salt, limestone, and Parkia biglobosa (vellow pulp) as a binder. FI served as the control (no mineral block). The blocks were produced using the cold-process method. Mineral analysis showed that the formulated blocks (F2-F5) contained adequate levels of calcium (3.83-11.57%), phosphorus (1.92-6.15%), magnesium (1.50-2.43%), potassium (7.40-17.00%), and sodium (5.27-9,96%), which met or exceeded the NRC (2007) requirements for sheep. Physical evaluation revealed that the blocks had medium to good hardness (3.33-8.00 kg/cm) and compactness, with formulation F2 exhibiting the highest hardness. Eighteen Yankasa rams (average initial weight 33-34 kg) were randomly allocated to the six treatments (three replicates per treatment) in a completely randomized design for 12 weeks. Results showed no significant difference (P > 0.05) in daily feed intake (0.88-0,98 kg/day). However, final body weight, daily weight gain (0.12-0.20 kg/day), and feed conversion ratio were significantly better (P < 0.05) in rams supplemented with mineral blocks (F2-F5) than the control (FI). Formulation F3 recorded the best performance and the lowest cost per kg gain (N139.74). The cost of producing 20 kg of the blocks ranged from N552 to N1,057, which was lower than commercial mineral blocks (N/10/kg). It is concluded that multi-mineral blocks can be successfully produced using cheap, locally available materials, and supplementation significantly improves the growth performance and feed efficiency of Yankasa rams during the dry season. Formulation F3 (15% bone meal + 15% eggshell + 15% potash + 15% wood ash + 2% salt + 19% Parkia yellow pulp + balance binder/water) is recommended as the most effective and economical for adoption by smallholder farmers in semi-arid regions.