effect of replacing maize with cassava “sievate” - Ozean Publications

Ozean Journal of Applied Sciences 4(1), 2011
ISSN 1943-2429
© 2011 Ozean Publication
Ozean Journal of Applied Sciences 4(1), 2011
THE EFFECT OF REPLACING MAIZE WITH CASSAVA “SIEVATE” USING
BANANA LEAVES AS BASAL FORAGE IN THE DIET OF WEANED RABBIT
EKWE, O.O.* ,OSAKWE, I.I. and NWEZE, B.O
Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources Management,
Ebonyi State University Abakaliki,Nigeria,
*Email address for correspondence: ekwe03@yahoo.com
Abstract: Twenty five (25) cross-bred weaned rabbits of mixed sexes with average weight 700±0.24 g were used
to evaluate the effect of replacing maize with graded levels of cassava sievate using banana leaves as basal
forage. The animals were randomly distributed to the five treatments in a Completely Randomised Design. Each
treatment had five animals with five replications. Five diets were formulated with cassava sievate (CS) replacing
maize at 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 % respectively. The diets were formulated to have 17 % Crude Protein and
2860kcal/kg energy. The diets were fed to all the animals in the ratio of 1:1 Water was given ad-libitum to the
animals during 56 days feeding trial. Results showed that there were significant references (P0.05)
deference in weight gain, feed conversion ratio and nutrient digestibility of the animals in their treatment groups
.Rabbits fed 40 % inclusion level diet showed the highest cost reduction per kg gain (N/kg) followed by 10, 20
and 30 % respectively. The inclusion of CS-banana leaves as basal forage in the diets of weaned rabbits greatly
enhanced growth, reduced cost of production and thus recommended for use by poor resourced farmers
Keywords: Banana leaves, Cassava Sievate, Maize, Performance, Rabbits,
INTRODUCTION
Nigeria and most West African sub regions are currently plagued with food crisis which is partly due to the
unprecedented rise in population and the drastic drop in per capita food production particularly in the last decade
(FAO 1 , 1986). Oginni 2 (2001) and NPC 3 (2005) observed that Nigeria despite the vast land area of 923,768 km 2 ;
the greater percentage of her citizens of 150 million are still wallowing in abject poverty and hunger. Staples
such as garri, beans and rice cannot be reached by many consumers, not to talk of meat. People now eat frozen
fish which they used to snub years ago. Meat is so expensive that animal protein content of food is fast
disappearing in some homes. The food deficit problem is indeed more serious with protein supply when
compared with the availability of calories. Shortage of protein, particularly those of animal origin is prevalent in
most parts of Africa where it is estimated that on the average 10 g of animal protein is consumed per day
compared to a recommended daily intake of 35 g (ILCA 4 , 1980; FAO 5 , 1985).
Obioha 6 (1992) observed that the level of consumption of meat (animal protein) in Nigeria is estimated at 8 g per
caput per day; about 20 g less than the recommended minimum requirement by the National Research Council of
the United States of America.The search for new and substitute feedstuffs for livestock rations aims at reducing
the cost of production of compound feeds by incorporating into such feeds cheap sources of nutrients which
preferably do not qualify for direct consumption by man. Root crops should fit logically as grain replacers in
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Ozean Journal of Applied Sciences 4(1), 2011
livestock feeds by virtue of their high caloric values, biological availability and several agronomic advantages
(Obioha 7 , 1977).
However, the high demand for them by the consuming Nigerian public posses as much availability and cost
problems as do the grains. This partly explains why livestock feed from root crops have not been developed.
Their real potential therefore lies in their inedible forms generated from industrial processing of such root crops
for human consumption (Onyimonyi, 8 2001, Ekpenyong 9 , 1984)
The mechanization of garri production and the high demand for garri and “fu-fu” (Akpu in Igbo) has resulted in
the accumulation of a large quantity of peels from tuber and sievate from garri which are discarded as waste
(Tewe and Egbunike 10 , 1988). Cassava sievate accounts for between 10 and 15 percent of the tuber weight
(Tewe 11 et-al.1976;Gomez 12 et-al.,2000).
Cassava sievate when adequately processed has replaced substantial proportion of maize in animal feed (Obioha
and Anikwe 13 , 1982; Obioha 14 et al., 1985; Okeke 15 et al., 1985; Nwokoro 16 et al. 2000 and Abasiekong 17 et al.
2001). Dustiness has been identified as a hazard when cassava sievate or peels is used (Maner and Gomez 18
1993; Aduku and Olukosi 19 , 1990).
The potential of cassava sievate as an energy source in rabbit production has not been extensively exploited.
(Ikurior and Onuh 20 , 1996). This may be due to among others, the occurrence of higher levels of cynogenic
glucosides in the root and fibre content in the sievate. Gomez 21 et al. 2000; Oke, 1997 22 ; Oyenuga and
Amazigo 23 , (1976) reported that these components have both been associated with reduced growth rate and feed
efficiency in rabbit. That not withstanding, hundred of tonnes of cassava peels and sievate are produced when
cassava root is processed for human consumption.
It was found that cassava production and garri processing is their major occupation especially amongst women.
It follows that as far as garri remains a staple carbohydrate food in this part of the country, the availability of this
feedstuff is assured. Forage plants such as Calopogonium mucunoides (Calopo), Centrosema pubescens
(Centro) are leguminous plants native to Africa. They are widely spread and found in almost all the ecological
zones in Nigeria. Andropogon gayanus and Pennisetum purpuerium are forage plants of the grass family
(Graminae), they are widely spread and more predominantly located in the southern part of Nigeria especially in
the rainforest belt. They are readily consumed by both ruminant animals and rabbits. These group of plants are
highly resistant to burning, survives long period of drought and have a higher yield than most plants in this
family. They have a high livestock unit carrying capacity of between 9 – 10 units (LU) per hectare of this forage
species.
The seeds of these grasses species can be established simply by feeding seeds to cattle, which spread them
through their dungs (Pagot 24 , 1992). Seeds were also broadcasted in hand- made strips or in shallow grooves
made by sticks. Oil palm trees (Eleais guinensis) are tropical plants found in the rainforest zone. They are
mostly found being browsed by animals such as cattle and goats especially during the dry season when other
forages and herbages are known to be scarce. It was also found to be a dry season forage plant for rabbit
(Abasiekong et al., 2001). Banana plant (Musa spp) is a tropical plant found mostly in the southern part of
Nigeria. Ngeze and Gathumbi 25 (2004), De Langhe26 (1961) and Ogazi 27 (1980) reported that banana originated
in Asia.
The species of banana known as Musa guminata originated in Malaysia while Musa balbisiana originated in
India. Musa sapientum and Musa parasidica are the most common in Nigeria but their origin could not be traced
at the time of this report (Simmon 28 , 1966). Information concerning the utilization of their leaves for livestock
feeding especially during the dry season is scarce.
There are even today, banana plants which do not bear fruits or whose fruits are very small and inedible. As
stated above, from the wild banana and through cross-breeding, two main types have resulted: Cooking banana
(also known as plantain) which is used as a staple food by various communities in the world becomes sweet
banana after ripening. Banana spread from Malaysia and India and reached East Africa in the 6th century B. C.
before they spread to the rest of the world. (Ngeze and Gathumbi, 2004, De Langhe 29 , 1964). Apart from its
fruits being used as food, fruit drinks of different sorts are also derived from banana. Fibre derived from the stem
is used in the manufacturing of different products such as photo frames, hats, table mats, ear rings, ropes,
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Ozean Journal of Applied Sciences 4(1), 2011
baskets, papers and automobile glasses. The leaf of banana has been found to be cherished by animals even as
dry season feed (Spore 30 , 2005). The people from central province and Mount Kenya regions have been using
banana leaves as animal feed for a long time especially for feeding their dairy cattle. This is especially practiced
whenever there is drought. This was reported to cause temporary shortage of mature banana bunches at the start
of every rainy season. Cattle fed on banana leaves and stems need less water as parts of the plant contain a lot of
water. Banana is an all season evergreen plants common in our environment; has an acceptable proximate
composition and is a potential foodstuff for rabbit production. The need to exploit its inclusion as forage for
rabbit production cannot be overemphasized. Cassava sievate from garri processing households are dumped as
waste.
However, the effect of replacing maize with cassava sievate and the use of banana leaves as basal forage in the
diets of growing rabbits is the main focus of this investigation.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Study Site: This study was conducted at the Rabbitry Unit of Department of Animal Science Teaching and
Research Farm, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki. The area is located between 06 o 2”N and 08 o 5 ” E. It has a
mean annual rainfall which ranges from 1500 mm to 1800 mm, and mean temperature of 30 o C during very hot
weather (February to April) and 21 o C during the coldest period of the year (December to January) (Ofomata 31 ,
1975).
Cassava sievate and Forage: Cassava sievate used in this experiment was purchased from Ezzamgbo market in
dried form while banana leaves were harvested from the existing banana plantation within the Teaching and
Research Farm, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria.
Experimental Diets : Five experimental diets were formulated with cassava sievate (CS) replacing maize at
0,10,20.30 and 40% respectively In diets 1 (control), maize was the only source of energy whereas in the other
four diets, (D2 – D5). Cassava Seivate was used in replacing maize. Other ingredients added are the fixed
ingredients which were included at the same levels. (Table 1).
EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE
Feeding and data collection: Twenty five (25) crossbred weaned rabbits weighing between 740 0.24 g and
purchased from a local farmer at Enugu were used for the experiment. The rabbits were fed commercial growers
mash for one week (adaptation period). At the eight th day, the rabbits were randomly assigned to the five
experimental diets in a completely randomized design. Each treatment has five animal replicate giving a total of
twenty five animals in all.
Each of the rabbits was kept individually in a compartment measuring 35 cm x 35 cm 2 . Experimental diets and
the forage were given in a measured quantity (1:1) and fed between the hours of 7.00 and 8.00 am in the
morning. The banana leaves fed were harvested every morning around the experimental site. Freshly harvested
banana leaves are cut into parts (15 cm length) before feeding each day. Clean-cool water was served ad libitum.
Before the commencement of the experiments, the rabbits were weighed to obtain their initial body weight and
subsequently weighed weekly over a period of 56 days.
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Ozean Journal of Applied Sciences 4(1), 2011
MEASUREMENTS
Daily feed intake: Determination of daily feed intake was done by obtaining the difference between the quantity
of feed and forage offered and the left over the following morning. Data so generated were used to calculate the
body weight changes (Daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio).
All the rabbits were weighed at the beginning and at the end of the trial; the weights were taken on weekly basis
using 2 kg capacity weighing scale. At the end of the experiment, the following measurements were recorded.
Body weight: The body weight was calculated by subtracting the initial body weight from the final body weight.
Feed conversion ratio The quantity of feed consumed compared with the unit gain is a measure of the efficiency
of the feed given. This is expressed as a quantity of feed consumed over a unit body weight gain at a given
period.
FCR =
Feed
Body wt. gain
Kg
Digestibility trial: A week after the commencement of the experiment, some samples of the faeces was
collected from each of the treatments, oven dried at 105 o C to a constant weight to determine the dry matter. At
the seventh and eighth week another batch of faecal samples were also collected from each of the five treatments
for laboratory analysis.
Total collection procedure was employed for the faecal collection. Mosquito nets were spread underneath the
cages. This procedure was to enable clean and urine free faeces to be collected as well to avoid other forms of
contamination. The collected samples for each day were dried in a forced air circulation oven at 65 o C. The
samples of each of the replicates were allowed to cool in a glass desicator to prevent further absorption of
moisture from the atmosphere. The three days samples were pooled, ground and then analyzed for crude protein,
crude fibre, and ether extract according to the method of AOAC 32 (1990).
Nutrient digestibility/utilization: This is a fraction of a total nutrient digested and utilized in the body. Nitrogen
free extract was calculated by difference from the sum of the total nutrients and the dry matter of the feed and
that of the faeces
Feed cost: Cost of feed was determined by dividing the cost of one bag of feed by 25 kg while Cost benefit was
determined by calculating and comparing the cost per kg gain (N/kg) of the various treatment groups.
Analytical Techniques: The experimental diets, forages, and the faecal samples from each of the treatments
were analyzed for their proximate constituents according to the procedure of Association of Official Analytical
Chemist (AOAC 1990)
Statistical analysis: All data collected were subjected to analysis of variance according to the procedure for a
Completely Randomised Design (Steel and Torrie 33 , 1980). Mean differences where applicable were separated
using Duncan Multiple Range Test (Duncans 34 , 1955).
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Ozean Journal of Applied Sciences 4(1), 2011
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
Table 2 showed the results of the performance of rabbits fed experimental diets. Animals in D3 showed a higher
value of feed intake than those on D1, D2, D4 and D5. There was significant (P < 0.05) difference between
animals fed diet 5 and those fed diets 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively. Also there was a significant (P < 0.05) difference
in the digestibility co-efficient among animals fed diets 1, 2, 3 and 4 when compared with animals in diet 5.
However, digestibility co-efficient was higher (P < 0.05) in diet 4, followed by diets 2, 3, 1 and 5 respectively.
Digestibility was similar in diets 1, 2, 3 and 4 but differs (P < 0.05) significantly in diet 5. There were no
significant (P > 0.05) differences in daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio. Nutrient digestibility values
showed a higher crude protein digestibility in diet 1, followed by those of diets 2, 3, 4 and 5 respectively. Crude
fibre digestibility was higher in diet 1 followed by diets 3, 2, 5 and 4 in that order. However, ether extract
digestibility was higher in diet 4 followed by diets 1, 3, 2 and 5. The percentage Nitrogen free extract
digestibility was higher in diet 2, followed by diets 1, 3, 5, and 4 respectively.
Dry Matter Intake: There was an increase in the daily dry matter of feed intake as the levels of Cassava sievate
(CS) increased. This could be attributed to the bigger size of the particles of the feed which made it easier for
them to pick as well as the higher fibre levels of diets 3 and 4. The energy content as well can also be
incriminated as a factor for a higher feed intake as animals (monogastric) are known to feed to satisfy energy
needs first; so the higher the energy and fibre content the lower the intake of feed and vice versa. Fibre adds to
the gut fill, aids digestion and prevents enteritis (Cheeke 35 , 1986). As the level of CS increases in the diets, dry
matter intake increased. There was also a corresponding increase in the mean weights of the animals when
compared with the control which corresponds with Cheeke (1986) and Tewe and Egbunike (1988) who reported
that rabbits performed better when fed with a diet containing forage and concentrate together. Treatment 2 (10%)
had the highest mean daily weight gain with a value of 12.678 g, followed by Treatment 5 (40%) 12.1429 g, 4
(30%) 11.7857, 3 (20%) 11.4284g and 1 (control) with 9.1714 g in that order. This result is similar to the earlier
reports of Lebas 36 et al. (1986) and that of West Boulevard 37 (2004) which reported a decrease in feed intake as
the energy content of the feed increases.
Digestibility: However, the digestibility of protein in diets 1 seems to be similar with that of 2 and differs with
others. Fibre digestibility was higher in diet 1 and 3 as compare with diets 2, 4, and 5 respectively. Ether extract
showed higher digestibility values of 57.78 in diet 1 and 71.43 in diet 4. Ash showed no values in all the
treatments while nitrogen free extract showed a value of 61.06 and 63.21 in diet 3. However, results showed no
significant (P > 0.05) difference in the nutrient digestibility of the five diets.
Feed Conversion Ratio: There were average feed conversion ratio of 5.85 0.82 for diet 1 (control), 4.42
0.41 for diet 2, 5.51 0.15 for diet 3, 4.92 0.72 for diet 4 and 4.79 0.11 for diet 5 respectively. However,
treatment 1 showed the highest feed conversion value followed by Treatments 3, 4, 5 and 2 in that order.
However, treatment 2 had the best FCR followed by 5, 4, 3 and 1.
Results showed that inclusion of CS and banana leaf improved growth and reduced the cost of production in
terms of feed cost/kg gain and this spared the use of rather expensive maize as a complete energy source for
animal feeds. This reduction in the feed cost/kg gain was higher in the 40 percent and 30 percent CS diets with
N127.46 and N133.20 respectively. Diet 1 (control) had the highest cost/kg gain with N134.86 followed by diets
2 and 3 with N134.62 and N134.15 in that order.
Cost reduction: Cost benefit ratio analysis showed that there was reduction in the cost of production of rabbits
(Naira per kg). Diets 5 and 4 showed the highest cost reduction per kg feed cost of N7.40, followed by diets 4,
N1.66, 3, N0.71 and 2, N0.24 respectively. Replacement of maize with CS and banana leaf as basal forage in the
diets of weaned rabbits resulted in cost savings.
Environmental impact: The feedstuffs evaluated in this study belong to the group of potential or nonconventional
category. Their exploitation will no doubt have a great positive impact on environment. This is
because their utilization will ensure their disappearance from the refuse dumps. This research therefore
recommends that CS can be included in the diet of weaned rabbits at 10 to 40% levels. It can be concluded that
feeding CS diets and banana leaf as basal forage will go a long way in reducing cost of production of rabbits,
increase animal protein supply and reduce poverty
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Ingredients D1
Ozean Journal of Applied Sciences 4(1), 2011
Table 1: Percentage composition of experimental diets
0%
D2
10%
Maize 60.00 54.00 48.00 48.00 42.00
Cassava sievate 0.00 6.00 12.00 12.00 18.00
Groundnut cake 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00
Soyabean meal 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00
Palm kernel cake 12.00 12.00 12.00 12.00 12.00
Wheat offal 6.50 6.50 6.50 6.50 6.50
Bone meal 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50
Vitamin premix 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50
Salt 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50
Total 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00
Calculated analysis
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D3
20%
D4
30%
- - - - -
Crude protein (%) 17.74 17.88 17.58 17.55 17.24
Crude fibre (%) 5.72 6.20 7.38 7.92 8.74
Energy ME (Kcal/kg 2614.85 2678.05 2690.80 2721.40 2759.03
Cost per bag (N) 1296.75 1246.5 1197.75 1148.25 1098.75
Rosolvit: A vitamin premix containing the following per 100g was added in water at 5g/litre, vitamin (A) IU),
1,250,000, vitamin D3 (IU) 200,000 vitamin E (IU) 1000, vitamin K3 (Mg) 550, vitamin C (Mg) IU) 1500, B1
(Mg) 180, B2 (Mg) 210, B6 (Mg) 210, B12 (Mg) 10.00.
Table 2: Performance of weaned rabbits fed experimental diets
Parameters D1 D2 D3 D4 D5
Av. initial weight (g) 740 0.18 740 0.17 770 0.93 750 0.19 750 0.13
Av. Daily gain (g) 9.11 1.04 12.68 11.66 11.4 2.85 11.79 1.43 12.14 2.74
Av. Daily feed intake (g) 55.54 4.29 55.66 2.9ab 58.94 9.55a 56.93 2.34ab 52.93 2.29c
Feed conversion ratio 5.85 0.82 4.42 0.40 5.52 0.15 4.92 9.72 4.79 0.11
Dig coefficient % 74.25a 76.09a 74.35a 79.45a 69.02c
Dry matter 57.20 54.20 59.80 46.80 66.44
Crude protein 51.59 50.80 32.27 23.65 18.30
Crude fibre 43.71 32.26 37.94 26.52 27.46
Ether extract 57.78 45.22 55.00 71.43 40.00
Ash 61.06 57.57 63.21 62.27 60.19
Nitrogen free extract 16.20 17.14 15.12 12..15 14.01
abcd Mean values in the same row with different letters are significantly (P < 0.05) different.
D5
40%

Ozean Journal of Applied Sciences 4(1), 2011
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