Effects of phosphorus supplementation upon the performance of West African Dwarf lambs

Authors

  • E. Kabaija Department of Animal Science, University of lfe, Ile-lfe, Nigeria
  • O.B. Smith Department of Animal Science, University of lfe, Ile-lfe, Nigeria

Keywords:

Phosphorous supplementation, Phosphorous deficiency, West African Dwarf sheep, Hay, Tropical forage

Abstract

In a phosphorous supplementation study, 16 male West African Dwarf lambs (in two groups of eight) were fed for 84 days on Guinea grass hay and a concentrate with or without a P supplement; P Supplementation improved (P <0.05) weight gain (68 g for test vs 48 g day -1 for control lambs), feed utilization and bone quality. Serum inorganic P was higher (P < 0.05) in the test group (7.3 mg 100-1 ml) than in the control (5.3 mg 100-1 ml). Apparently, dietary phosphorous level of 0.11% was inadequate for sheep. Sheep fed on hay of tropical grasses such as Guinea grass either exclusively or with protein and energy supplements may therefore require P supplementation for adequate performance.

How to Cite

Kabaija, E., & Smith, O. (1987). Effects of phosphorus supplementation upon the performance of West African Dwarf lambs. Tropical Agriculture, 64(3). Retrieved from https://journals.sta.uwi.edu/ojs/index.php/ta/article/view/2047

Issue

Section

Research Papers