Evaluation of Cactus (Opuntia Ficus Indica) and Prosopis Juliflora-Based Rations on Performance of Red Masai Weaner Lambs in Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine plausible pathways to combat feed scarcity and quality in dry lands using locally available and under-utilized feed resources. Red Maasaiweaner lambs were blocked on the basis of body weight and physiological condition. The treatment diets included pure rations of Cenchrusciliaris hay (control) and proportionally determined combinations of P. juliflorapod meal, spineless (O. ficusindica) Cactus leaf meal and C. ciliaris hay. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) methods were used to isolate significant treatment effects on Cactus (O. ficusindica) and P. juliflorabased feed rations. Coefficient of correlation was computed to assess whether there was relationship between the independent and dependent variables in the test rations. Sheep that received T₄ rations recorded the highest in vivo and in vitro nutrient digestibility (78 and 63% respectively). Faecal output was positively correlated to DM intake (r²=0.88, p<0.001), in vivo (r²=0.87, p<0.001) and in vitro feed degradability (r²=0.87, p<0.001). Faecal Nitrogen was negatively correlated (r²= -0.64, p<0.001) to these values. The high dry matter intake, in vitro and in vivo DM digestibility of Cactus (O. ficusindica) cladodes and P. juliflorabased supplementary rations authenticate their value as under-utilized drought-tolerant supplementary forages for livestock in the truncated landscapes of Kenya. Awareness creation and/or promotional campaigns of Cactus species and Prosopisjuliflora-based home-made rations (TMRs) formulation such as on-farm demonstrations, capacity building, value addition and conservation of these invasive tree species as supplementary feed for livestock during severe drought periods is recommended in this current study.