EFFECT OF GRADED LEVEL OF COTTONSEED CAKE AND POULTRY LITTLE AS SUPPLEMENT IN TOTAL MIXED RATION ON NUTRIENT DIGESTIBILITY OF FATTENING RAM
Abstract
ABSTRACT
This study investigated the effect of graded levels of cottonseed cake and poultry litter as supplements in a total mixed ration on the nutrient digestibility of fattening rams. The experiment aimed to evaluate the efficiency of these alternative feed resources in improving nutrient utilization and reducing feeding costs.
A total of 20 healthy fattening rams with an average initial weight of 18.5 kg were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments in a completely randomized design, with five rams per treatment. The treatments consisted of varying inclusion levels of cottonseed cake and poultry litter in total mixed rations: T1 (0% poultry litter + 10% cottonseed cake), T2 (10% poultry litter + 15% cottonseed cake), T3 (20% poultry litter + 20% cottonseed cake), and T4 (30% poultry litter + 25% cottonseed cake). The feeding trial lasted for 70 days, followed by a 7-day digestibility trial.
Feed intake and weight gain were recorded daily, while fecal samples were collected and analyzed to determine the apparent digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, crude fiber, ether extract, and ash. The results showed that dietary treatments had a significant (p < 0.05) effect on nutrient digestibility. Rams fed T2 and T3 diets exhibited higher digestibility coefficients compared to those on T1 and T4. Crude protein digestibility increased with moderate inclusion of cottonseed cake, while excessive poultry litter in T4 reduced overall nutrient utilization.
In conclusion, the inclusion of cottonseed cake and poultry litter in total mixed rations can improve nutrient digestibility in fattening rams when used at moderate levels. The combination of 10–20% poultry litter and 15–20% cottonseed cake is recommended for optimal performance. This feeding strategy provides a cost-effective alternative for enhancing small ruminant production, particularly in areas with limited access to conventional feed resources.
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