Effect of using cassava leaves hay a protein source in total mixed ration (TMR) on growth performance of crossbred lambs

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to study the use of cassava leaves hay as a protein source in total mixed ration (TMR) on growth performance of crossbred lambs. The experiment design was completely randomized design (CRD). Twelve weaned male Santa Innes lambs, 3-4 months old, Santa Innes lambs with body weight ranged from 20±5 kg, were used in the experiment. The animals were divided into 4 treatments with 3 replications with 1 lamb for replicate. Four dietary treatments consisted of, Treatment 1: corn silage and concentrate (control group), Treatment 2:  total mixed ration (TMR) and cassava leaves hay at 10% of feed, Treatment 3: total mixed ration (TMR) and cassava leaves hay at 20% of feed and Treatment 4: total mixed ration (TMR) and cassava leaves hay at 30% of feed. The results showed that the weight gain, feed intake, average daily gain and feed conversion ratio fed with the four treatment diets were not significantly different (p>0.05). Total cost of production and cost of production to live weight gain were similar among treatments. Therefore, total cost of feed, cost of feed to live weight gain and net profit were significantly (p<0.05). It could be concluded that cassava leaves hay in the total mixed ration (TMR) can be used for fattening lamb production and knowledge transfer for holder lamb farmers.