Investigating the potential of Moringa (Moringa Oleifera) and Pigeon Pea (Cajanus Cajan) as supplementary dry season livestock feed in the Northern Region of Ghana
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Date
DECEMBER 2015
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Abstract
Moringa (Moringa olifera) and pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) have been both identified
as a multipurpose tree and legume that have appreciable levels of crude protein that
could be used as a dry season feed supplement for livestock. Growth rate, average
weight gain and availability of Moringa olifera and Cajanus cajan were investigated
for the potential of Moringa olifera and Cajanus cajan as supplementary dry season
livestock feed in the northern region of Ghana for Djallonke sheep. Djallonke sheep
were completely randomized into 3 treatments levels (T1-T3) with four replicates in
pens. Sheep in treatment 1 (control) were fed with feed other than cajanus cajan and
moringa olifera on dry matter basis, treatment 2 were fed with Cajanus cajan husk on
dry matter basis while those in treatment 3 were treated with a feed containing
Moringa oleifera leaves on dry matter basis, respectively. The findings of this study
indicated clearly that there was no significant difference (p>0.05) among treatments
for white blood cell level, haemoglobin and blood sugar concentration. However,
there were significant difference (p<0.05) on all body weight parameters measured in
the study. Animals fed with Moringa olifera diets had the highest average daily
weight gain of 105.80g followed by those fed with Cajanus cajan diet (82.59g) whilst
those fed with the control diet recorded the lowest average daily weight gain of
42.97g. The study further showed that 50% of farmers provide feed for the livestock.
85 % of the farmers confirmed availability of Moringa olifera and Cajanu scajan as
livestock feed whilst 15% said no. It was revealed that majority of the farmers (70%)
obtained the Moringa olifera from plantations whilst 30% obtained the Moringa
olifera from the farm. Again, all farmers obtained the Cajanus cajan from the farm.
The study revealed that 60% of the farmers had no knowledge of Moringa olifera and
Cajanus cajan as livestock feed whilst 40% were knew about it. Again, 60% of the
farmers had no knowledge that Moringa olifera and Cajanu scajan could improve
growth of livestock but 40% had knowledge that Moringa olifera and Cajanus cajan
can improve growth of livestock. The study revealed that Moringa olifera and
Cajanus cajan are generally known to farmers as animal feed sources, readily
available to farmers and largely preferred by livestock (75%). Djallonke sheep can be
fed with both Cajanus cajan and Moringa oleifera diets during the dry season and
further research should be conducted to assess the appropriate pre-treatment methods
for these crops.
Description
A thesis submitted to the School of Graduate Studies,
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in fulfilment of the reqiurement for the award of Master of Philosophy (Wildlife and Range Management)Degree.