Performance of yearling bunaji bulls fed diets containing graded level of palm kernel cake

Abstract

A growth trial was conducted for 90 days using 20 yearling Bunaji Bulls with live
weight range of 110-150kg and aged 1-1.5 years. They were balanced for weight and
allotted to five dietary treatments with four bulls per treatment in Completely
Randomized Design to determine growth performance of Bunaji Bulls fed diets
containing varying levels of Palm Kernel Cake (PKC). Concentrate and basal diets
of Digitaria smutsii were offered at 2% body weight. The CP contents of the
experimental diets varied between 14.19 and 17.75% while ME ranged from 11.79 to
11.81MJ/kg DM. The crude fibre varied from 26.36-38.77%. Average feed intake
ranged between 5.38-5.61Kg/day with animals on 10%, 20% and 40% PKC being
statistically similar (P>0.05). Average daily weight gain was highest for animal on
0% PKC while those on 10, 20, 30%, 40% PKC inclusion where similar (P>0.05).
All the experimental Bulls attained an average weight gain of between 0.66Kg to
0.75Kg. Cost per kg gain was similar at 0% and 20%PKC inclusion and lowest at
40% PKC. Value of gain (VWG) were similar (P>0.05) for Bulls on 10%, 20%, 30%
and 40% PKC inclusion. There was positive Net Benefit and Return on Investment on
feed across treatments. The inclusion of PKC lead to reduction in feed cost from N
19598 to a range of N 18761.00- N 15609.00 (about 4.27%-20% reduction in feed
cost) therefore it was concluded that Palm Kernel Cake can be included in yearling
diets up to 40%.