ABSTRACT

 A study was conducted to investigate the utilization of creep diets by West African Dwarflambs maintained in a humid tropical environment. Influence of creep diets on growth performance, blood profile, nutrient digestibility, weaning weight and pre-weaning mortality of lambs were examined. Nine lambs at 6 weeks of age were assigned into three equal groups in a completely randomized design and each subsequently subjected to one of three nutritional regimens from 6 to 16 weeks post-partum (point of weaning). Lambs in group 1 (control) suckled their dams only (diet A). Groups 2 and 3 lambs, were in addition to suckling, given supplementary rations formulated to contain 10.0% Soya bean and groundnut cakes (diets B and C) in concentrate mix, respectively. Animals in supplemented groups were offered concentrate diets at 3% of their body weights throughout the trial. There was no significant effect (P>0.05) of treatment on feed intake. The weight gain of lambs fed diet 2 (45.36g/d) was significantly higher (P<0.05) than those fed diet 3 (36.29g/d) and least for those fed diet 1 (15.76g/d). Feed conversion ratio (FCR) differed significantly (P<0.05) among treatment groups. FCR values of 6.65 and 8.26 were obtained from group 2 and 3 respectively. Weight at weaning was significantly higher (P<0.05) for T2 (10.27kg) followed by 8.87kg and 5.93kg obtained in T3 and T], respectively. Zero mortality was recorded in all the groups. Except for MCH, PCV and MCHC, there were no significant differences (P>0.05) in values of other haematological parameters measured. AST and creatinine values were however similar (P>0.05), but significant differences (P<0.05) existed in values of other blood biochemical indices measured. Digestibility coefficients differed (P<0.05) with treatment diets; nutrients were digested better (P<0.05) in the supplemented (creep fed) groups (2 and 3) compared to control (group 1). Creep supplemented groups generally recorded more weight gain, better blood profile and nutrient digestibility. The present study underscores the relevance of creep feeding to nursing lambs. This practice would ensure production of well nourished lambs with capacity to meet the basic requirements for growth as well as realization of heavier lambs with better vigour and survival rate. Lambs will be able to achieve good weaning weight at the shortest possible time and hence target market weight could be achieved with better profit. This would also reduce lambs mortality and subsequently enhance more supply of animal protein to the Nigeria populace.