DIGESTIBILITY OF DIETS BASED ON NAPIER GRASS, TITHONIA DIVERSIFOLIA AND SAPIUM ELLIPTICUM,

Abstract

Tithonia diversifolia and Sapium ellipticum fodder species are widespread in Central, Western Province and the wetter areas of the coastal and Rift Valley regions. They could be used to supplement Napier grass fodder. However, there is little documentation on digestibility of diets that include varying proportions of either Tithonia or Sapium. This study compared the digestibility of diets consisting of varying proportions of Tithonia and Sapium forages with Napier grass fodder. Fourteen Corriedale rams aged 18 months selected for uniformity of live weight at 20±3kg were used in the experiment. The weight of the sheep was determined at the start and at the end of each feeding period. The sheep were fed seven different experimental diets comprising of varied proportions of Napier grass, Tithonia diversifolia and Sapium ellipticum. The dry matter content varied with diet one having the lowest percentages 136 g/kg, diet four highest dry matter 639 g/kg. Napier grass fodder (control diet) lowest CP of (43 g/kg), while 75% Tithonia mixture had CP of 189g/kg. Tithonia based diets had lower NDF-ADF proportion of 276 g/kg, 282 g/kg and 229.5 g/kg than those of Sapium based diets with 296 g/kg, 258 g/kg and 256 g/kg. Diets 1, 5 and 7 reflected a negative N balance. These were the Napier grass control diet and the 25% and 75% supplementation of Sapium diets. Tithonia based diets yielded positive nitrogen balance. Inclusion of both Tithonia and Sapium forages decreased feed intake, total faecal and urine output for all the diets, although proportionately to intake, the faecal and urine output increased.